Early and severe sensory loss in three adult siblings with hexosaminidase A and B deficiency (Sandhoff disease)

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1995 Nov;59(5):520-3. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.59.5.520.

Abstract

Three siblings in their sixth and seventh decade with hexosaminidase A and B deficiency (adult form of GM2-gangliosidosis, variant O) developed early and severe sensory loss in addition to chronic motor neuron disease and cerebellar ataxia. Prominent mechanoallodynia was a manifesting symptom in two siblings. It is suggested that sensory deficits are due to a central-peripheral dying back axonopathy. The early and dominant sensory disturbances extend the clinical range of GM2-gangliosidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cerebellar Diseases / complications
  • Female
  • Hexosaminidase A
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neuron Disease / complications
  • Sandhoff Disease / complications*
  • Sandhoff Disease / enzymology
  • Sandhoff Disease / genetics*
  • Sensation Disorders / complications*
  • Spinal Cord / pathology
  • Time Factors
  • beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases / deficiency*

Substances

  • Hexosaminidase A
  • beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases