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Published on: August 8, 2022
Severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a patient with atypical Anderson-Fabry disease
Daniele Masarone1, Giovanni Duro2, Santo Dellegrottaglie3
1Division of Cardiology Second University of Naples - AO dei Colli, Presidio Monaldi, Naples, 80121, Italy.
Insights
Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD), a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, can lead to severe cardiac issues. Patients with advanced cardiac involvement may benefit from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator to prevent sudden cardiac death.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and rare diseases
- Cardiology
- Lysosomal storage disorders
Background:
- Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder.
- It results from deficient α-galactosidase A activity, impacting multiple organ systems.
- Cardiac manifestations are common and can be severe.
Observation:
- A specific case of AFD with isolated cardiac involvement is presented.
- The patient exhibited symptoms necessitating close cardiac monitoring.
- Progressive cardiac dysfunction posed a high risk for life-threatening arrhythmias.
Findings:
- Left ventricular hypertrophy, valve thickening, and conduction disturbances are key cardiac features of AFD.
- Advanced AFD cardiac disease can lead to myocardial fibrosis and sudden cardiac death.
- Implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was performed due to high arrhythmic event risk.
Implications:
- Patients with advanced cardiac AFD may constitute a distinct subgroup requiring ICDs.
- ICDs can serve as a primary prevention strategy for sudden cardiac death in these patients.
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing cardiac complications in AFD.
Aim:
Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is a hereditary disorder caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A which causes dysfunctions in multiple organ systems. Cardiac manifestation includes left ventricular hypertrophy, thickening of the valves, conduction disturbances and in the late phase, extensive areas of myocardial fibrosis with increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Case example: A case of AFD with exclusive cardiac involvement is described. During follow-up, due to the high risk of life-threatening arrhythmic events, implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is performed.
Conclusion:
AFD patients with advanced cardiac disease might represent a subgroup of patients who may require an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death.
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