Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency: Could Dyslipidemia Drive the Diagnosis?

LAL-deficiency (LAL-D) is a rare and systemic condition, secondary to LIPA gene mutations, responsible for lysosomal accumulation of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides, whose manifestations are very heterogeneous in terms of the age of onset, severity and the type of clinical and radiological manifestations. Dyslipidemia, hepatomegaly and hepatosteatosis with increased levels of transaminases are the most common features. The increased risk of premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders, secondary to a generalized alteration of lipid profile and lipoprotein dysfunction associated with LAL-D, has been increasingly pointed out. Therefore, medical awareness towards LAL-deficiency should be increased, since this condition has to be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric conditions manifested with dyslipidemia and hepatic accumulation of intracellular products. On the other hand, early patient identification and management remain challenging.