Mongolian spots in GM1 gangliosidosis: a pictorial report

Clin Dysmorphol. 2021 Jan;30(1):6-9. doi: 10.1097/MCD.0000000000000353.

Abstract

GM1 gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder, characterized by psychomotor deterioration, visceromegaly, facial coarseness, retinal cherry-red spots, and skeletal abnormalities. We report six unrelated patients with GM1 gangliosidosis with extensive Mongolian spots on the trunk and extremities that provided clue to clinical diagnosis. All patients exhibited psychomotor delay, coarse facies, hepatosplenomegaly, hypotonia, and dysostosis multiplex. Four patients had retinal cherry-red spots. The condition was confirmed by identification of very low activities of beta-galactosidase enzyme in peripheral leukocytes and biallelic pathogenic variants in the GLB1 gene. We identified one novel (c.1479G>T) and two known (c.75 + 2dup and c.1369C>T) pathogenic variants in homozygous state in them. Our work ascertains extensive Mongolian spots as a diagnostic handle for early recognition of GM1 gangliosidosis. Though a known feature of GM1 gangliosidosis, considerable variation in the prevalence and ethnic differences are observed. This report illustrates the Mongolian spots pictorially in Indian patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Gangliosidosis, GM1 / diagnosis*
  • Gangliosidosis, GM1 / genetics*
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • India
  • Leukocytes / metabolism
  • Mongolian Spot / diagnosis*
  • Mongolian Spot / genetics*
  • Mutation*
  • Phenotype*
  • beta-Galactosidase / genetics
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • GLB1 protein, human
  • beta-Galactosidase