Mucopolysaccharidosis VI

Abstract

Introduction: Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI) is the result of the absence of arylsulfatase B leading to the abnormal lysosomal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans. Two different phenotypes have been described to date, namely, rapidly progressive and slowly progressive. Aim: To present the evolution of a slowly progressive phenotype of MPS VI in a patient after 2 years of enzyme replacement therapy. Case report: A 26-year-old man diagnosed with MPS VI at 9 years of age started enzyme replacement therapy with galsulfase due to cardiac, pulmonary, neurologic, and joint involvement. After 10 months of treatment, improvement in quality-of-life scales and walk test was evident. Because of persistent symptomatology associated with narrow cervical spinal canal, decompressive surgery was performed. After 2 years of treatment, there was a clear improvement in the respiratory, motor, and cardiac functions as well as in the spinal symptoms. Discussion: The evolution of our patient leads to the conclusion that the combined treatment of galasulfase and decompressive surgery should be indicated at an early stage in order to achieve best outcome for the patient.