Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in a child with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1997 Sep;121(9):996-9.

Abstract

An 18-month-old white male infant with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease was evaluated for persistent hepatic dysfunction following primary Epstein-Barr virus infection. A liver biopsy revealed cirrhosis with a dense mononuclear cell infiltrate. These findings were confounding because cirrhosis is not a typical finding in either normal or immunodeficient individuals following infection with Epstein-Barr virus. An alpha 1-antitrypsin level obtained shortly after biopsy was spuriously within the lower limits of the physiologic range. Further investigation demonstrated a homozygous Z phenotype, the classic protease inhibitor variant described in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. A repeat liver biopsy confirmed the presence of a second hereditary disease. This is a unique concurrence of two uncommon genetic disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Linkage*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / enzymology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / complications
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / enzymology*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / genetics
  • Male
  • Pedigree
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / deficiency*
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / genetics
  • X Chromosome*
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin / genetics
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency*

Substances

  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin