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Tyrosinemia type 2 is an inborn error of tyrosine metabolism characterized by hypertyrosinemia with oculocutaneous manifestations and, in some cases, intellectual deficit.
Features include: Hypertyrosinemia, 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic aciduria, Elevated urine N-acetyltyrosine level, and Growth delay and 3 more.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Growth and development | 1 | Growth delay |
Brain and nerves | 1 | Intellectual disability |
Skin | 1 | Abnormality of the skin |
Eyes | 1 | Herpetiform corneal ulceration |
Tyrosinemia type II is characterized by corneal dystrophy, painful palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, and variable intellectual disability. Individuals diagnosed and treated from early infancy may be asymptomatic or have only mild ocular and skin manifestations. Individuals with delayed diagnosis or lack of treatment present with ocular, skin, and variable cognitive manifestations . To date, more than 70 individuals have been identified with tyrosinemia type II . The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports. Table 2. Select Features of Tyrosinemia Type II
Feature | % of Persons w/Feature | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Ocular manifestations | 75% | ~75%-85% |
Skin manifestations | 35% | 80% |
Intellectual disability | Rare | ~60% |
Developmental delay |
TAT function has not been fully characterized.
Tyrosinemia type II is caused by mutations in the TAT gene on chromosome 16.
No consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for tyrosinemia type II have been published.
Tyrosinemia type II is caused by deficiency of the enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) . Tyrosinemia type II should be suspected in individuals with either or . Note: Tyrosinemia type II is not typically included in NBS panels, but may be detected when screening for tyrosinemia type I.
NBS for hepatorenal tyrosinemia (tyrosinemia type I) is typically based on quantification of tyrosine in dried blood spots. Elevated tyrosine above the cutoff reported by the screening laboratory is considered positive and requires follow-up biochemical testing.
Source: GeneReviews — "Tyrosinemia Type II"
Hypertyrosinemia. Other causes of hypertyrosinemia include genetic tyrosine metabolism disorders and acquired conditions such as the following: • Transient tyrosinemia of the newborn • Immature liver • Hypertyrosinemia due to liver disease Corneal lesions. Because ocular features are often the initial manifestations of tyrosinemia type II, pseudodendritic keratitis is often mistaken for herpes simplex keratitis. Genetic disorders of interest in the differential diagnosis of tyrosinemia type II are listed in . Table 3. Genes of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of Tyrosinemia Type II
Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI | Features of Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
Tyrosinemia type I | AR | Hypertyrosinemia | Liver kidney dysfunction; succinylacetone concentration in blood urine; Hypoglycemia; Moderately plasma concentration of tyrosine, phenylalanine, other amino acids, esp methionine (due to secondary inhibition of methionine adenosyltransferase) |
Genetic testing for TAT is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for tyrosinemia type II has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for tyrosinemia type II. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for tyrosinemia type II have been published. In the absence of published guidelines, the following recommendations are based on the authors' personal experience managing individuals with this disorder. When tyrosinemia type II is suspected during the diagnostic evaluation due to high levels of tyrosine (typically 500 mol/L and may exceed 1,000 mol/L), metabolic treatment should be initiated immediately . Development and evaluation of treatment plans, training and education of affected individuals and their families, and avoidance of side effects of dietary treatment (i.e., malnutrition, growth failure) require a multidisciplinary approach including multiple subspecialists, with oversight and expertise from a specialized metabolic center and the involvement of a dietitian with specialized training. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with tyrosinemia type II, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. Tyrosinemia Type II: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Eyes | Ophthalmologic eval | To assess for epiphora, photophobia, blepharospasm more complex findings (e.g., corneal clouding, corneal lesions, dendritic ulcers) that may require referral for subspecialty care /or low vision services |
Skin | Skin exam | To assess for hyperkeratotic plaques on soles, palms (esp thenar hypothenar areas), fingertips |
Development | Developmental assessment | To incl motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech-language eval; Eval for early intervention/ special education |
Metabolic | Consultation w/metabolic physician/ biochemical geneticist specialist metabolic dietitian | To initiate dietary restriction of tyrosine phenylalanine |
Genetic counseling |
Source: GeneReviews — "Tyrosinemia Type II"
3 trials found
In addition to regular evaluations by a metabolic specialist and metabolic dietician, the evaluations summarized in are recommended to monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to targeted therapy and supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations. Table 6. Tyrosinemia Type II: Recommended Surveillance
Manifestation | Evaluation | Frequency/Comment |
|---|---|---|
Nutrition | Quantitative analysis of plasma tyrosine phenylalanine concentrations | At each visit |
Ocular manifestations | Eval by ophthalmologist to assess for epiphora, photophobia, blepharospasm, keratitis | Annually or as needed Eval by ophthalmic subspecialist to assess for more complex findings (e.g., corneal clouding, pseudodendritic corneal lesions, dendritic ulcers, corneal or conjunctival plaques) |
Skin manifestations | Skin assessment for hyperkeratotic plaques | As clinically indicated Delayed acquisition of developmental milestones |
Nutritional deficiencies | Measurement of plasma calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations | Annually or as clinically indicated |
Source: GeneReviews — "Tyrosinemia Type II"
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
3 clinical trials registered, 1 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions. Pipeline includes 1 NA. Research is sponsored by a mix of industry and academic institutions.
15 publications have been identified in PubMed for tyrosinemia type II. Kisho has analyzed 11 by research type. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (45%), Review / Meta-Analysis (27%), and Diagnostic / Biomarker (18%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 5 | 45% |
Research summaries | 3 | 27% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 2 | 18% |
Laboratory research | 1 | 9% |
Schneider R (2026). [PMID: 41028238](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41028238/). *Arch Toxicol*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Nykaza I (2026). [PMID: 41621676](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41621676/). *J Am Acad Dermatol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Rietmann SJ (2026). [PMID: 41601192](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41601192/). *Anim Genet*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Tong F (2026). [PMID: 41890226](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41890226/). *Front Genet*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Nykaza I (2026). [PMID: 41621675](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41621675/). *J Am Acad Dermatol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Bruno R (2025). [PMID: 41455114](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41455114/). *Am J Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
McCarthy RL (2025). [PMID: 37766547](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37766547/). *Keio J Med*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
da Silva Lemos I (2025). [PMID: 41117875](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41117875/). *Neurotox Res*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Ullah G (2025). [PMID: 40698476](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40698476/). *J Pak Med Assoc*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Conto Quispe PN (2024). [PMID: 38375899](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38375899/). *Spec Care Dentist*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 9 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 20, 2026, 3:01 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
~10% |
Source: GeneReviews — "Tyrosinemia Type II"
HPD | Tyrosinemia type III (OMIM 276710) | AR | Hypertyrosinemia |
TRPV3 | Olmsted syndrome (OMIM PS614594) | ADXL | Palmoplantar keratoderma w/periorificial keratotic plaques |
Source: GeneReviews — "Tyrosinemia Type II"
To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of tyrosinemia type II to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support |
resources | By clinicians, wider care team, family support organizations | Assessment of family social structure to determine need for:; Community or such as Parent to Parent; Social work involvement for parental support; Home nursing referral MOI = mode of inheritance 1. |
Tyrosinemia Type II: Treatment of Manifestations Principle/Manifestation | Treatment | Considerations/Other Ocular manifestations |
Skin manifestations | Pyridoxine phosphate or systemic retinoid may be beneficial. | Skin manifestations often resolve w/dietary restriction of tyrosine phenylalanine . Developmental delay/ |
Intellectual disability | Developmental educational support as needed | In addition to regular evaluations by a metabolic specialist and metabolic dietician, the evaluations summarized in are recommended to monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to targeted therapy and supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations. Table 6. |
AI-curated news mentioning tyrosinemia type II
Updated Jun 5, 2024
A study identifies and characterizes novel variants of the FAH gene in patients suspected of having Tyrosinemia Type 1. This research enhances understanding of genetic variations associated with the disease, potentially guiding future diagnostics and treatments.