Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a very rare autosomal recessive inherited neutral lipid metabolism disorder associated with congenital ichthyosis and multi-system involvement. Observation of lipid vacuoles in neutrophils (Jordan’s anomaly) in peripheral blood smears in patients with ichthyosiform erythroderma is diagnostic. Herein we present 2 siblings with CDS that were referred to Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics due to ichthyosis. They had hepatomegaly, cataract, growth retardation, and sensorineural hearing loss. Some lipid vacuoles in neutrophils were noted in peripheral blood smear evaluation. Genetic analysis showed homozygous N209X mutation in both patients. They were put on a low-fat high-carbohydrate diet supplemented with medium-chain fatty acids. During 6 months of follow-up, no improvement was observed in both patients. In conclusion, although CDS is a rare lipid storage disease, it should always be a consideration in patients with congenital ichthyosis, especially those with extracutaneous symptoms or signs. The diagnosis of CDS is made based on a very simple test-peripheral blood smear.Conflict of interest:None declared.
Background:
Gaucher disease is a common lysosomal storage disease caused by the deficiency of β-glucosidase enzyme, leading to sphingolipid accumulation in the reticuloendothelial system in Gaucher cells. Clinical findings are quite variable and some patients may remain asymptomatic lifelong. However, even when patients have mild symptoms, there is a significant increase in their quality of life with enzyme therapy. We aimed to reveal the relationship between a rare mutation in the Glucosylceramidase Beta (GBA) gene and clinical signs and symptoms. Another aim of the study was to show the effect of enzyme replacement therapy on quality of life even in patients with mild symptoms.
Case presentation:
Here, we report a 46-year-old male, diagnosed with Gaucher disease based on splenic gaucheromas incidentally discovered in a cardiac computerized tomography scan. In GBA gene analysis, the extremely rare R87W mutation was detected in homozygous state. In retrospect, the patient had nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and bone pain for a long time, which were substantially ameliorated by enzyme replacement therapy.
Conclusion:
In patients with adult-onset Gaucher disease, the symptoms may be mild, causing significant diagnostic delay. Gaucher disease may be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal malignancies. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary procedures.
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