Marked clinical and histologic improvement in a patient with type-1 Gaucher's disease following long-term glucocerebroside substitution. A case report and review of current diagnosis and management

Pathol Res Pract. 2003;199(3):159-63. doi: 10.1078/0344-0338-00369.

Abstract

Type-1 Gaucher's disease represents the most common lysosomal storage disorder. With the introduction of enzyme replacement therapy, many of the clinical manifestations can be controlled. The functional deficiency of the lysosomal beta-glucocerebrosidase leads to deposition of glycosylceramide in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. We report the clinical and pathologic presentation of a patient with a florid type-1 Gaucher's disease who received long-term enzyme replacement therapy, which led to marked clinical improvement. A repeat liver biopsy performed at the time of a cholecystectomy several years after initiation of enzyme replacement therapy revealed complete resolution of Gaucher cells.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Female
  • Gaucher Disease / drug therapy*
  • Gaucher Disease / pathology*
  • Gaucher Disease / physiopathology
  • Glucosylceramidase / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Glucosylceramidase