Prader-Willi Syndrome in Adulthood: A Case Report of Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Features Not Well Documented in the Literature

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder that presents in infancy with feeding difficulties and hypotonia, later progressing to compulsive eating and metabolic complications. This case describes a 32-year-old male with genetically undiagnosed PWS, presenting with progressive muscular weakness, severe obesity (BMI 39.3), cognitive impairment, and functional decline. Notably, he exhibited psoriasis and ophthalmic abnormalities (bilateral proptosis and a dense cataract), which are not commonly associated with PWS. These findings reflect potential secondary complications from prolonged metabolic dysfunction and inadequate medical management into adulthood. This case highlights the severe consequences of late diagnosis, including uncontrolled obesity, hypertension, prediabetes, and musculoskeletal impairment. The presence of psoriasis and ocular findings suggests a potential interplay between chronic inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and PWS-related endocrine dysfunction. This case highlights the potential importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and long-term follow-up in individuals with PWS, which may help reduce the risk of progressive disability and associated comorbidities.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-09-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.92962
Primary Topic
Genetic Syndromes and Imprinting
Type
article
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article

Prader-Willi Syndrome in Adulthood: A Case Report of Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Features Not Well Documented in the Literature

Geoffrey Gill, Isaac Elijah, Allen Sklaver
Cureus
Genetic Syndromes and Imprinting
article

Prader-Willi Syndrome in Adulthood: A Case Report of Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Features Not Well Documented in the Literature

Geoffrey Gill, Isaac Elijah, Allen Sklaver
article en

Abstract

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder that presents in infancy with feeding difficulties and hypotonia, later progressing to compulsive eating and metabolic complications. This case describes a 32-year-old male with genetically undiagnosed PWS, presenting with progressive muscular weakness, severe obesity (BMI 39.3), cognitive impairment, and functional decline. Notably, he exhibited psoriasis and ophthalmic abnormalities (bilateral proptosis and a dense cataract), which are not commonly associated with PWS. These findings reflect potential secondary complications from prolonged metabolic dysfunction and inadequate medical management into adulthood. This case highlights the severe consequences of late diagnosis, including uncontrolled obesity, hypertension, prediabetes, and musculoskeletal impairment. The presence of psoriasis and ocular findings suggests a potential interplay between chronic inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and PWS-related endocrine dysfunction. This case highlights the potential importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and long-term follow-up in individuals with PWS, which may help reduce the risk of progressive disability and associated comorbidities.

CureusVol. 17(9)
Florida Atlantic University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 72%
Genetic Syndromes and Imprinting
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Prader-Willi Syndrome in Adulthood: A Case Report of Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Features Not Well Documented in the Literature — Geoffrey Gill, Isaac Elijah, et al. · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS