Ocular manifestations of familial high-density lipoprotein deficiency (Tangier disease)

Arch Ophthalmol. 1979 Oct;97(10):1926-8. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1979.01020020374020.

Abstract

Corneal clouding is one of the manifestations of Tangier disease, an inherited disorder in which cholesterol-rich lipids are deposited in various tissues of the body. The cause of the corneal clouding is unknown. This study documents the clinical course and conjunctival biopsy findings of a 60-year-old man who was one of the earliest patients to be recognized with Tangier disease and in whom progressive corneal clouding developed in adult life. Noteworthy in the biopsy specimens were birefringent lipid particles that were predominantly present in degenerating pericytes of the conjunctival vessels.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arteries / metabolism
  • Arteries / ultrastructure
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Conjunctiva / blood supply
  • Conjunctiva / metabolism
  • Conjunctiva / ultrastructure*
  • Corneal Opacity / etiology*
  • Corneal Opacity / metabolism
  • Corneal Opacity / pathology
  • Cytoplasm / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Hypolipoproteinemias / complications*
  • Inclusion Bodies / ultrastructure
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tangier Disease / complications*
  • Tangier Disease / metabolism
  • Tangier Disease / pathology
  • Veins / metabolism
  • Veins / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Cholesterol