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Never too old for an inherited condition
1Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare inherited disorder causing progressive lung disease. Delayed diagnosis in adults highlights the need for increased medical awareness and access to specialized testing for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited disorder affecting cilia function.
- It leads to progressive suppurative airway disease, chronic rhinosinusitis, hearing loss, and reduced fertility.
Observation:
- Diagnosis of PCD is often delayed due to low medical awareness and limited access to diagnostic centers in Australia.
- This report presents two adult cases with long-standing medical interactions but a late diagnosis of PCD.
- The condition was either overlooked or dismissed during previous medical consultations.
Findings:
- Late diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia can occur even in patients with extensive medical history.
- Lack of awareness and diagnostic accessibility contribute significantly to diagnostic delays.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of PCD among healthcare professionals is crucial for timely diagnosis.
- Early diagnosis facilitates the cessation of ineffective treatments and the initiation of targeted therapies.
- Improved access to specialized diagnostic services is essential for managing PCD effectively.
Abstract:
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is an uncommon, inherited condition causing progressive suppurative airway lung disease with subsequent bronchiectasis, chronic rhinitis-sinusitis, deafness and reduced fertility. Diagnosis is often delayed by lack of awareness of the condition in the medical community and limited access to the few centres in Australia able to do full diagnostic testing. This report details the late diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia in two adults who have had long-standing interactions with medical services but in whom the diagnosis was never considered or even dismissed. Greater awareness of the condition will reduce time to diagnosis, prevent administration of ineffective therapy and allow earlier institution of targeted therapy.
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