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Fabry disease cardiomyopathy: A practical guide for cardiologists
Tala Al Saleh1, Yusuf Kamran Qadeer2, Bing Yue3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
Insights
Fabry disease (FD), a rare genetic disorder, causes harmful glycosphingolipid buildup. Early detection via advanced imaging aids timely treatment, improving outcomes for affected individuals and families.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder.
- It involves glycosphingolipid accumulation, primarily globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), in cells.
- Cardiac, nervous, and renal tissues are most affected, with heart issues being a leading cause of mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges of Fabry disease.
- To emphasize the role of advanced imaging in early detection.
- To discuss the implications for treatment initiation and family screening.
Main Methods:
- Review of Fabry disease pathophysiology and clinical presentation.
- Discussion of diagnostic advancements, focusing on echocardiography and MRI.
- Analysis of the impact of early diagnosis on treatment eligibility.
Main Results:
- Fabry disease is often misdiagnosed due to rarity and varied symptoms, particularly in women.
- Echocardiography and MRI are crucial for identifying early cardiac involvement (Fabry cardiomyopathy).
- Early identification of end-organ damage enables treatment for patients ineligible for advanced therapies and asymptomatic family members.
Conclusions:
- Advanced imaging techniques are vital for early Fabry disease diagnosis and management.
- Timely diagnosis facilitates treatment initiation, potentially altering disease progression.
- Screening and early detection are critical for managing Fabry disease in affected families.
Abstract:
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease that results in the accumulation of glycosphingolipids, such as globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in a variety of cells. FD most prominently involves cardiac, nervous, and renal tissue, with cardiac complications representing the most common cause of death. Fabry disease has a prevalence ranging between 1:8454 to 1:117,000 among men. The higher prevalence included patients with the A143T mutation, which was shown to be a non-disease causing variant. Due to its rarity, and wide array of phenotypic presentations, especially in women, FD is often misdiagnosed. Advances in echocardiographic techniques and magnetic resonance imaging can play a crucial role in raising suspicion for Fabry disease and identifying early Fabry cardiomyopathy. Identification of end-organ involvement can, in turn, permit treatment initiation in patients who did not previously qualify for advanced therapies and in screened family members who are still too early in the disease process to manifest specific symptoms.
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