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Published on: November 11, 2014
A case report of Sandhoff disease
Insights
Sandhoff disease, a rare lysosomal disorder, can be identified by bilateral thalamic involvement. Imaging and enzyme tests confirmed the diagnosis in an infant with severe neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sandhoff disease is a rare, severe lysosomal storage disorder, a subtype of GM2 gangliosidosis, accounting for 7% of cases.
- Bilateral thalamic involvement is a potential diagnostic imaging marker for Sandhoff disease.
Observation:
- An 18-month-old infant presented with psychomotor regression and drug-resistant myoclonic epilepsy.
- Cerebral CT revealed bilateral, symmetrical thalamic hyperdensity.
- MRI showed thalamic hyperintensity on T1-weighted images, hypointensity on T2-weighted images, and T2 white matter hypersignal.
Findings:
- Enzymatic assays demonstrated a deficiency in both hexosaminidase A and hexosaminidase B.
- These enzymatic findings confirmed the diagnosis of Sandhoff disease.
Implications:
- This case highlights the utility of neuroimaging, particularly thalamic abnormalities, in the early diagnosis of Sandhoff disease.
- Confirming Sandhoff disease through enzymatic assays is crucial for appropriate management and genetic counseling.
Abstract:
Sandhoff disease is a rare and severe lysosomal storage disorder representing 7% of GM2 gangliosidoses. Bilateral thalamic involvement has been suggested as a diagnostic marker of Sandhoff disease. A case of an 18-month-old infant admitted for psychomotor regression and drug resistant myoclonic epilepsy is presented. Cerebral CT scan showed bilateral and symmetrical thalamic hyperdensity. MRI revealed that the thalamus was hyperintense on T(1)-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images with a hypersignal T2 of the white matter. Enzymatic assays objectified a deficiency of both hexosaminidases A and B confirming the diagnosis of Sandhoff disease.
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