Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

In Vitro Enzyme Measurement to Test Pharmacological Chaperone Responsiveness in Fabry and Pompe Disease
Published on: December 20, 2017
[Cardiac involvement in Fabry's disease - typical disease course and diagnostic problems]
Michał Owsiak1, Agnieszka Kwiecień-Sobstel, Ewa Mirek-Bryniarska
1Oddział Kardiologii, Szpital Specjalistyczny im. Józefa Dietla, Kraków. michalo@op.pl
Insights
Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder causing glycolipid accumulation and organ damage. This case highlights a typical presentation in a 43-year-old male, emphasizing diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Rare Diseases
Background:
- Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disorder.
- Caused by deficient alpha-galactosidase A enzyme activity.
- Leads to systemic glycolipid accumulation and organ dysfunction.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with symptoms consistent with Fabry disease.
- The patient exhibited a wide range of systemic manifestations.
- Diagnosis was challenging due to the varied clinical presentation.
Findings:
- The patient's condition was attributed to a mutation causing alpha-galactosidase A deficiency.
- Glycolipid accumulation was observed in blood vessels and various organs.
- Impaired heart function was a significant clinical feature.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic complexities of Fabry disease.
- Highlights the importance of recognizing diverse symptoms for timely diagnosis.
- Emphasizes the impact of enzyme deficiency on cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
Fabry disease is a rare X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disease, which can cause a wide range of systemic symptoms. A deficiency of the enzyme alpha galactosidase A due to mutation causes a glycolipid to accumulate within the blood vessels, other tissues, and organs. This accumulation leads to an impairment of proper heart function. Wide range of symptoms makes diagnosis difficult. We present a case of a 43 year-old male with typical Fabry disease.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
