Lumbosciatica revealed hereditary bisalbuminemia in Burkina Faso: First case report

Rationale: Bisalbuminemia, a rare qualitative anomaly of albumin detected through serum protein electrophoresis, can be hereditary or acquired. This study reports the first case of hereditary bisalbuminemia within a Burkinabe family. Patient concerns: The patient, Mrs. ZS, aged 66, has been experiencing persistent right lumbosciatalgia for 2 years, recently becoming disabling. Diagnoses: Examination reveals lumbar spinal syndrome and radicular syndrome without impairment of sensitivity or motor function. Serum protein electrophoresis for Mrs. ZS shows an atypical profile with a doubling of the albumin peak, confirmed by 2 separate analyses in different laboratories. Additional examinations, including complete blood count, CRP, creatinine, and lipase levels, yield normal results. Imaging reveals a disc protrusion from L3 to S1 in conflict with the dural sheath, diagnosed as common adult lumbalgia due to disc protrusion. Interventions: Mrs. ZS receives oral corticosteroid therapy, with a significant improvement in symptoms by the 15th day. Outcomes: One year later, during family investigations, bisalbuminemia is confirmed in Mrs. ZS and discovered in her daughter. Lessons: This study underscores the importance of considering hereditary bisalbuminemia in the evaluation of electrophoretic profiles, providing a clinical and biological insight into a rare condition within the Burkinabe population. Collaboration between clinicians and biologists is essential for understanding and managing such anomalies.