[Cardiac manifestations of Fabry's disease]

Zhi-Hong Han1, Teng-Yong Jiang, Xue-Jun Ren

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Affiliated to the Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi
|December 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder, often presents with unrecognized cardiac issues. Early recognition of cardiac symptoms, family history, and multisystemic involvement aids diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Cardiology
  • Rare Diseases

Background:

  • Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive disorder.
  • Cardiac manifestations are often overlooked in Fabry disease.

Observation:

  • Three female patients from Chinese kindreds with Fabry disease and cardiac symptoms were analyzed.
  • Patients aged 41-57 presented with a family history of Fabry disease and cardiac symptoms.
  • ECG revealed ST-T changes, and echocardiography showed left ventricular hypertrophy.

Findings:

  • All patients exhibited low white blood cell alpha-galactosidase (alpha-GAL) levels.
  • The patient with the most severe cardiac and multisystemic involvement had the lowest alpha-GAL level.
  • Typical Fabry disease symptoms were noted in two patients during their youth.

Implications:

  • Cardiac involvement should be considered in Fabry disease diagnosis.
  • Family history, early-onset symptoms, and multisystemic signs are crucial diagnostic clues.
  • This study highlights the importance of recognizing cardiac manifestations in Fabry disease.
Abstract

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