A novel neuromuscular form of glycogen storage disease type IV with arthrogryposis, spinal stiffness and rare polyglucosan bodies in muscle

Neuromuscul Disord. 2016 Oct;26(10):681-687. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.07.005. Epub 2016 Jul 25.

Abstract

Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV) is an autosomal recessive disorder causing polyglucosan storage in various tissues. Neuromuscular forms present with fetal akinesia deformation sequence, lethal myopathy, or mild hypotonia and weakness. A 3-year-old boy presented with arthrogryposis, motor developmental delay, weakness, and rigid spine. Whole body MRI revealed fibroadipose muscle replacement but sparing of the sartorius, gracilis, adductor longus and vastus intermedialis muscles. Polyglucosan bodies were identified in muscle, and GBE1 gene analysis revealed two pathogenic variants. We describe a novel neuromuscular GSD IV phenotype and confirm the importance of muscle morphological studies in early onset neuromuscular disorders.

Keywords: Branching enzyme deficiency; Glycogen storage disorders; Glycogenosis type IV; Metabolic myopathies; Polyglucosan.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arthrogryposis / complications
  • Arthrogryposis / diagnostic imaging
  • Arthrogryposis / pathology
  • Arthrogryposis / physiopathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Glucans / metabolism*
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV / complications
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV / diagnostic imaging
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV / pathology
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Phenotype
  • Spinal Diseases / complications
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Diseases / pathology
  • Spinal Diseases / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Glucans
  • polyglucosan