Acupuncture for treating symptoms associated with chorea-acanthocytosis: A CARE-compliant case report

Background: Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is the most common type of neuroacanthocytosis syndromes. Characteristic movement disorders of ChAc are choreiform movements affecting both trunk and extremities. Acanthocytosis in peripheral blood smear, elevated serum creatine kinase, atrophy of heads of caudate nuclei and dilation of the anterior horn of the lateral ventricles in magnetic resonance imaging could assist the diagnosis of ChAc. Objective: We aimed to report on the use of acupuncture to successfully improve ChAc symptoms. Method: A patient with definite ChAc was admitted, who had suffered from involuntary tongue protrusion for about 10 years. Acupuncture treatment was administrated for 3 times a week for 2 months. The chorea tremor control area, Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Shenting (GV24), Benshen (GB13, bilateral), Yintang (GV29), Neiguan (PC6, bilateral), Tongli (HT5, bilateral), Zusanli (ST36, bilateral), Sanyinjiao (SP6, bilateral), Dicang (ST4, bilateral), Chengjiang (CV24), Lianquan (CV23), Jinjin (EX-HN12) and Yuye (EX-HN13) were selected as acupunture points. Results: Previous drug dosage was reduced and the frequency of involuntary tongue protrusion was significantly reduced. Other clinical symptoms were also well controlled. Peripheral blood smear still indicated an increased proportion of red lineage, but blood analyses revealed improvement at follow-up. Conclusions: For patients who do not response well to conventional medical treatments, acupuncture might be used as an alternative treatment for symptoms related to ChAc.