Fabry disease with few clinical signs and symptoms

Intern Med. 2002 Nov;41(11):983-5. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.41.983.

Abstract

We describe a 25-year-old man with Fabry disease who remained undiagnosed until progressive renal involvement had begun, because of few clinical signs or symptoms except intermittent acroparesthesia. He had non-nephrotic proteinuria and normal renal function. Renal biopsy revealed focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis with vacuolated podocytes. Electron microscopy demonstrated characteristic lamellated bodies. Alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-galA) activity was markedly decreased. Early diagnosis of Fabry disease is becoming important because of the prospect of recombinant alpha-galA replacement therapy. Careful history taking, physical examinations, and renal histology with electron microscopy are essential for the diagnosis in the course of the disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fabry Disease / complications
  • Fabry Disease / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male