Stroke in Fabry's disease

Journal of Neurology
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Cerebrovascular complications, such as ischemic strokes, frequently affect patients with Fabry

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder.
  • It affects multiple organs, including the brain.
  • Cerebrovascular complications are a known concern.

Observation:

  • Thirty-three patients with Fabry disease were reviewed.
  • Eight patients (24%) experienced cerebrovascular events.
  • These events primarily involved ischemic strokes in small arteries.

Findings:

  • Strokes occurred in both carotid and vertebrobasilar territories.
  • Most strokes (6/8) happened before age 40.
  • Small artery thrombosis due to Fabry disease is the likely cause.

Implications:

  • Stroke is a significant cause of morbidity in Fabry disease.
  • Early-onset strokes are common.
  • Understanding these complications is crucial for patient management.

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