The patient was a 17-year-old boy with BBS. Esophageal, gastric, and rectal varices and mild hepatic dysfunction started to develop at 5 years of age. A liver biopsy showed dilated portal veins with mild fibrosis in portal tract. From the age of 17 years, he often had forced laughter with apparently normal consciousness. Laboratory examinations revealed hyperammonemia (112.2 mg/ml). Oral medication lowered the blood ammonia level to 69.9 mg/ml, reduced the frequency of forced laughter, and improved his IQ.
Patients with BBS may have additional diseases or conditions that affect mental status, such as hyperammonemia. Physicians should explore the underlying causes of these conditions and treat such patients, who already have a compromised quality of life.