Cutaneous complications of Anderson-Fabry disease

Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(33):6031-6. doi: 10.2174/13816128113199990359.

Abstract

Anderson-Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a defect in the α-galactosidase A gene, which leads to the deficiency of the hydrolytic enzyme α-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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Angiokeratoma / diagnosis
  • Angiokeratoma / etiology*
  • Angiokeratoma / metabolism
  • Angiokeratoma / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy
  • Fabry Disease / complications*
  • Fabry Disease / diagnosis
  • Fabry Disease / metabolism
  • Fabry Disease / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / enzymology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy
  • alpha-Galactosidase / administration & dosage
  • alpha-Galactosidase / metabolism*
  • alpha-Galactosidase / therapeutic use

Substances

  • alpha-Galactosidase