Late juvenile-onset Krabbe's disease

Ophthalmology. 1990 Sep;97(9):1176-80. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(90)32439-9.

Abstract

Krabbe's disease is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy characterized by a lack of galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase activity. In contrast to the classic early infantile-onset form of Krabbe's disease, less recognized, late-onset variants exist. The authors present a case of late juvenile-onset Krabbe's disease, including the associated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Most patients with late-onset Krabbe's disease present with visual loss due to optic atrophy. Associated gait abnormalities and parental consanguinity should increase the clinician's suspicion that a child may have late-onset Krabbe's disease. Because of the prolonged survival in late-onset Krabbe's disease, the recent development of bone marrow transplantation for these patient makes diagnosis of this disorder particularly important.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Consanguinity
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / enzymology
  • Galactosylceramidase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell / diagnosis*
  • Leukodystrophy, Globoid Cell / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pedigree
  • Skin / enzymology
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Galactosylceramidase