Tangier disease phenotype diversity in dizygous twin sisters

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2010 May;166(5):534-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2009.12.001. Epub 2010 Jan 12.

Abstract

Introduction: Tangier disease (TD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a deficiency or absence of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) caused by mutations in the adenotriphosphate-binding cassette transporter-1 gene (ABCA1). Mutations of ABCA1 lead to a defect in cellular cholesterol removal and to deposition of cholesterol esters throughout the body.

Observation: We report here on the case of a 53-year-old woman with a severe phenotype of TD. The patient had a dizygous twin sister who had only asymptomatic corneal opacities and thrombopenia.

Conclusion: This family demonstrates the wide intrafamilial phenotype diversity of TD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • Biopsy
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electroencephalography
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Hormones / blood
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Fibers / pathology
  • Phenotype
  • Schwann Cells / pathology
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / pathology
  • Tangier Disease / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Tangier Disease / genetics*
  • Tangier Disease / pathology*
  • Twins, Dizygotic

Substances

  • ABCA1 protein, human
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Hormones
  • Lipids