Progression of electrocardiogram changes in an untreated fabry disease: a case report

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder with multiorgan manifestation and associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. Fabry cardiomyopathy includes left ventricular 'hypertrophy' (LVH), cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure. We report a case of an untreated FD with characteristic findings in electrocardiogram (ECG) over a follow-up period of 10 years.

A 53-year-old man with FD presented to our outpatient department. He suffered from symptomatic ventricular extrasystoles. Echocardiography detected LVH and reduced global longitudinal strain. Twelve years ago, first examination was conducted due to ventricular arrhythmias. Electrocardiogram showed a short PQ minus P-wave (P_endQ) interval and negative T-waves. Over time, the number of leads with negative T-waves increased. Moreover, the echocardiography revealed a thickened left ventricular wall. Without any further examinations at that time, the patient was treated for arterial hypertension with proteinuria. Ten years after first symptoms appeared, FD was diagnosed utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and genetic tests. Hence, enzyme replacement therapy was initiated.

The ECG is a fast diagnostic method and it may - even without additional organ manifestations - provide preliminary suspicion of FD. In particular, as shown in our case, a short P_endQ and QT interval indicate FD. Over time, disease progression can be detected through ECG changes. T-waves correlate with an increasing LVH and a reduction in longitudinal function in echocardiographic examinations. Unexplained LVH must be followed by differential diagnosis. In case of confirmed FD, patients should be treated by multidisciplinary teams in experienced centres.