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Published on: June 14, 2016
[Fabry disease: An overlooked diagnosis in adult cardiac patients]
Meral Kayıkçıoğlu1, Evrim Şimşek, Sema Kalkan Uçar
1Department of Cardiology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey. meral.kayikcioglu@gmail.com.
Insights
Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder, causes harmful buildup of lipids. Early diagnosis and enzyme replacement therapy are crucial for managing cardiac symptoms and preventing irreversible damage.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and rare diseases
- Cardiology
- Metabolic disorders
Background:
- Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by alpha-galactosidase deficiency.
- This deficiency leads to globotriaosylceramide accumulation in various tissues, including the heart.
- It is a multisystemic condition affecting males more severely, but females can also be afflicted.
Observation:
- Cardiac manifestations include left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
- A specific variant presents solely as unexplained ventricular hypertrophy.
- Two cases highlight the cardiac signs and symptoms of Fabry disease.
Findings:
- The study describes two cases of Fabry disease focusing on cardiac involvement.
- It emphasizes the progressive nature of cardiac damage due to lipid accumulation.
- Early detection is key to initiating timely treatment.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis of Fabry disease is vital for initiating enzyme replacement therapy.
- Intervention before irreversible tissue damage can significantly improve patient outcomes.
- Understanding cardiac manifestations aids in managing this rare genetic disorder.
Abstract:
Fabry disease is a rare, X-linked, lysosomal glycosphingolipid storage disorder. A deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase results in intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in multiple cell types, such as those of the nerves, kidneys, cardiac, and cutaneous tissues, leading to a multisystem disease. Male patients are more severely affected; however, heterozygous female patients may also be afflicted, though often the symptoms develop later. Cardiac involvement can include left ventricular hypertrophy, conduction abnormalities, arrhythmias, valvular abnormalities, and heart failure. A variant of the disease affects only cardiac tissue and mostly manifests as unexplained ventricular hypertrophy. Presently described are 2 cases of Fabry disease and the signs and symptoms of cardiac involvement, as well as the importance of early diagnosis to start enzyme replacement therapy before the development of irreversible tissue damage.
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