Title:Cutaneous Complications of Anderson-Fabry Disease
VOLUME: 19 ISSUE: 33
Author(s):Giuseppe Pistone, Daniele Rizzo and Maria Rita Bongiorno
Affiliation:Department of Dermatology, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 131, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
Keywords:Fabry disease, angiokeratoma, telangiectasiae, lymphedema, anhidrosis, hypohidrosis, pseudo-acromegalic facial appearance.
Abstract:Anderson-Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a defect in the -galactosidase A gene, which
leads to the deficiency of the hydrolytic enzyme -galactosidase A. The consequent inability to catabolize glycosphingolipids causes progressive
accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in the vascular endothelium throughout the body. Fatalities in the classical phenotype
may usually occur as a consequence of cerebral, cardiac or renal disease. Dermatological manifestations are a relevant feature of Fabry
disease and include angiokeratomas, telangiectasiae, lymphedema, anhidrosis or hypohidrosis and pseudo-acromegalic facial appearance.
The actual causal treatment for Fabry disease is the enzyme replacement therapy. Dermatologists have a key role, since cutaneous manifestations
may lead to the diagnosis. This may help an early therapeutic intervention, reducing both morbidity and mortality.
