[Heterozygous Fabry's disease. Case report with electron microscopic studies]

Abstract

Fabry's disease is an inborn error of sphingolipid metabolism. The lysosomal hydrolase, alpha-galactosidase, is deficient. The full spectrum of symptoms (diffuse angiokeratoma, alpha-galactosidase deficiency) is only seen in males, who are always hemizygous. The heterozygous females may be asymptomatic and the enzyme activity can be normal. Such a case is reported. The diagnosis of this case was made by electron microscopic findings of the characteristic cellular lipid-inclusions within endothelial, perithelial, smooth muscle, and nerve sheath cells. The electron microscopic findings are a valuable clue to the diagnosis in these problem cases. The early diagnosis of female conductors is important for genetic counseling.