Kisho is an information platform, not a medical provider. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All content is aggregated from publicly available sources (including ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, FDA.gov, and Orphanet) and is provided for informational purposes only. Clinical trial eligibility, treatment decisions, and any health-related actions should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Kisho does not endorse any specific therapy, organization, or clinical trial. Terms of use · Privacy policy
3-methylglutaconic aciduria type III (MGA III) is an organic aciduria characterized by the association of optic atrophy and choreoathetosis with 3-methylglutaconic aciduria.
Features include always present findings: 3-Methylglutaric aciduria, Damage to the optic nerve (optic atrophy), and 3-Methylglutaconic aciduria. 13 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Brain and nerves | 8 | Babinski sign, Dysarthria, Ataxia |
Eyes | 2 | Visual impairment, Damage to the optic nerve (optic atrophy) |
Muscles | 1 | Damage to the optic nerve (optic atrophy) |
Most individuals with Costeff syndrome present within the first ten years of life with decreased visual acuity and/or choreoathetoid movement disorder. Although most develop spastic paraparesis, mild ataxia, and occasional mild cognitive deficit in their second decade, the course of the disease is relatively stable. The following description of the phenotypic features of Costeff syndrome is based on two reports:
reported on 36 affected individuals, 11 of whom were previously unreported and 25 of whom had been previously reported.
reported on 28 individuals (age range: 6 months – 68 years) six of whom were previously unreported and 22 of whom had been previously reported by .
Optic atrophy manifests as decreased visual acuity within the first years of life, sometimes associated w...
Source: GeneReviews — "Costeff Syndrome"
OPA3 encodes outer mitochondrial membrane lipid metabolism regulator OPA3 (179 aa). May play some role in mitochondrial processes Highest expression in Cells EBV-transformed lymphocytes (11.2 TPM) and Pituitary (8.7 TPM).
3-methylglutaconic aciduria type 3 is associated with mutations in the OPA3 gene on chromosome 19.
OPA3 is classified as a druggable target with score 0.0.
Genotype-phenotype correlations cannot be made due to the limited number of OPA3 pathogenic variants identified to date. All individuals of Iraqi Jewish origin with Costeff syndrome have the same pathogenic variant; however, phenotypic severity varies, even within the same family.
Source: GeneReviews — "Costeff Syndrome"
The diagnosis of Costeff syndrome is suspected in a child with the following and findings and family history consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance.
Clinical Findings
Early in the disease course
Relatively normal early development and growth
Bilateral early-onset optic atrophy (pathologically pale optic discs, attenuated papillary vasculature, and visual evoked potentials that show bilateral prolonged latencies consistent with optic atrophy)
Choreoathetoid movement disorder
Later in the disease course
Progressive spasticity
Cerebellar ataxia
Cognitive deterioration (in a minority of individuals)
Increased urinary excretion of 3-methylglutaconate (3-MGC) and 3-methylglutaric acid (3-MGA). In Costeff syndrome, urinary 3-MGC and 3-MGA (measured using g...
Source: GeneReviews — "Costeff Syndrome"
3-Methylglutaconic Aciduria Increased urinary excretion of the branched-chain organic acid 3-methylglutaconate (3-MGC) is a relatively common finding in children investigated for suspected inborn errors of metabolism . 3-MGC is an intermediate of leucine degradation and the mevalonate shunt pathway that links sterol synthesis with mitochondrial acetyl-CoA metabolism. A classification of inborn errors of metabolism with 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (3-MGCA) as the discriminative feature was published by and . Clinical features and biochemical findings of syndromes associated with 3-MGCA vary. Tissues with higher requirements for oxidative metabolism, such as the central nervous system and cardiac and skeletal muscle, are predominantly affected. The only disorder in which the exact source of 3-MGC is known (a block of leucine degradation) is AUH defect, the rarest 3-MGCA, caused by primary deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme 3-methylglutaconyl-CoA hydratase (3-MGCH). Table 2. Inborn Errors of Metabolism Associated with 3-Methylglutaconic Aciduria
3-MGCA | Gene | MOI | Disorder |
|---|
Genetic testing for OPA3 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type 3 has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type 3. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with Costeff syndrome, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 3. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Costeff Syndrome
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Optic atrophy | Complete ophthalmologic exam | Assess:; Extraocular movement, best corrected visual acuity, color vision testing, visual field testing, visual evoked potentials, fundus exam;; Need for visual aids. |
Motor disability | Complete neurologic exam | Assess for extrapyramidal dysfunction, spasticity, cerebellar dysfunction Refer to neuromuscular clinic (OT/PT / rehab specialist). |
difficulties | Gastroenterology/nutrition/ feeding team eval | To incl eval of aspiration risk nutritional status Development |
(children) | Developmental assessment | To incl motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech/language eval; Eval for early intervention / special education Cognitive impairment (older children |
adults) | To incl motor, speech/language eval; general cognitive skills | Frontotemporal executive deficits; perform formal neuropsychological eval. Genetic |
counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To inform affected persons families re nature, MOI, implications of Costeff syndrome to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Costeff Syndrome Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Visual impairment | Standard treatment(s) as recommended by ophthalmologist | Eval for visual aids; Community vision services through early intervention or school district |
Spasticity | Orthopedics / physical medicine rehab / PTOT incl stretching to help avoid contractures falls | Consider need for positioning mobility devices, disability parking placard. Poor weight gain / |
Failure to thrive | Feeding therapy | Low threshold for clinical feeding eval /or radiographic swallowing study if clinical signs or symptoms of dysphagia |
DD | See . | Family/Community |
Source: GeneReviews — "Costeff Syndrome"
The following should be avoided:
Tobacco and alcohol use
Medications known to impair mitochondrial function
Source: GeneReviews — "Costeff Syndrome"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Costeff Syndrome"
View trials for 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type 3
Table 5.
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Costeff Syndrome
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
|
Ophthalmologic exam incl best corrected visual acuity, color vision testing, visual field testing
Appropriateness of visual aids
| Annually
|
Neurologic exam for progression of findings
Orthopedics (eval of Achilles tendon shortening); OT/PT eval
Speech language assessment
| By feeding team | As needed
| Eval by orthopedic surgeon
| Assess family need for social work support (e.g., palliative/respite care, home nursing, other local resources) care coordination. | At each visit
OT = occupational therapy; PT = physical therapy
1. Shortening of Achilles tendon
Source: GeneReviews — "Costeff Syndrome"
Phenotype severity distribution: 3 always present features.
Estimated prevalence: Unknown (Unknown prevalence).
No clinical trials have been registered for 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type 3.
6 publications have been identified in PubMed for 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type 3. Research spans Review / Meta-Analysis (33%), Case Report / Case Series (33%), and Diagnostic / Biomarker (17%).
Huang XW (2026). [PMID: 41452423](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41452423/). *World journal of pediatrics : WJP*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Messina M (2025). [PMID: 38872485](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38872485/). *Journal of inherited metabolic disease*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Marchante Pita R (2025). [PMID: 40365324](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40365324/). *JIMD reports*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Penon-Portmann M (2025). [PMID: 39166438](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39166438/). *American journal of medical genetics. Part A*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Demetriadou A (2025). [PMID: 40255048](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40255048/). *Journal of inherited metabolic disease*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Spoto G (2024). [PMID: 38921008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38921008/). *Current issues in molecular biology*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 7:49 AM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Key Clinical Characteristics in Addition to 3-MGCA1
AGK | AR | Sengers syndrome(See Mitochondrial DNA Maintenance Defects Overview.) | Cataracts; cardiomyopathy (DD) | — |
AUH | AR | AUH defect(OMIM 250950) | Nonspecific speech language delay w/o metabolic derangement in some individuals w/hypoglycemia metabolic acidosis in others; Failure to thrive, ID, DD common; Microcephaly progressive neurologic impairment w/spastic quadriplegia, seizures, dystonia reported3 | — |
CLPB | AR | CLPB deficiency | Cataracts; central hypopnea; DD ID; movement disorder; neutropenia (epilepsy) | — |
DNAJC19 | AR | DNAJC19 defect (DCMA syndrome)(OMIM 610198) | Cardiomyopathy; DD ID; growth restriction; cerebellar ataxia; may be assoc w/optic atrophy; Seen in Dariusleut Hutterite population of Canada.4 | — |
HTRA2 | AR | MGCA8(OMIM 617248) | Cataracts; central hypopnea; DD ID; epilepsy; movement disorder; neutropenia OPA3 | AR |
SERAC1 | AR | SERAC1 defect(MEGDEL syndrome) | DD ID; deafness; movement disorder (epilepsy optic atrophy) | — |
TAFAZZIN (TAZ) | XL | TAFAZZIN defect(Barth syndrome) | Cardiomyopathy;5 skeletal myopathy; DD; growth restriction; neutropenia | — |
TIMM50 | AR | MGCA9(OMIM 617698) | DD ID; epilepsy | — |
TMEM70 | AR | TMEM70 defect | Cardiomyopathy; DD ID Occasional feature | POLG |
SUCLA2 | AR | SUCLA2 mtDNA depletion syndrome, encephalomyopathic form w/methylmalonic aciduria | Hypotonia; epilepsy; muscular atrophy; movement disorder; growth retardation | — |
SUCLG1 | AR | SUCLG1 mtDNA depletion syndrome, encephalomyopathic form w/methylm... | — | — |
Source: GeneReviews — "Costeff Syndrome"
AI-curated news mentioning 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type 3
Updated Aug 25, 2026
The FDA approved Genglycos (pariglasgene brecaparvovec-opnr) to reduce daily cornstarch intake in patients aged 8 years and older with glycogen storage disease type Ia. Known as Von Gierke disease, GSDIa is a rare metabolic disorder caused by a mutation in the G6PC gene. This genetic variation leads to a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), an enzyme needed to release glucose into the bloodstream. Without this enzyme, the body cannot properly maintain blood glucose levels, causing severe hypoglycemia and other serious metabolic complications · Pariglasgene brecaparvovec is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 8 based gene therapy that delivers a functional copy of the G6PC gene into liver cells, enabling the production of normally functioning G6Pase. Ultragenyx stated that as part of its postmarketing commitments to the FDA, the Company will provide 2 years of clinical data from open-label commercial treatment of 50 patients and 20 control patients through its existing GSDIa Disease Monitoring Program. ... Ultragenyx announces US FDA approval of Genglycos™ gene therapy, the first-ever FDA-approved treatment designed to treat the underlying cause of glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa). “The reduced reliance on cornstarch, experienced by patients in our clinical studies, demonstrates this gene therapy’s ability to establish the normal breakdown of glycogen to produce glucose during fasting or episodes of metabolic stress. This ability to regulate glucose has alleviated the disease burden and has the potential to mitigate the risk of severe or life-threatening hypoglycemia for these patients.” Close more info about First Gene Therapy Approved for Glycogen Storage Disease Type la