Fabry disease, Anderson-Fabry disease

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient alpha-galactosidase A activity. Symptoms arise because of accumulation of glycosphingolipids -mainly globotriaosylceramide- in multiple organs. Fabry disease affects almost all organs. The most serious complications involve the kidneys, heart, and central nervous system. In contrast to many X-linked diseases, female heterozygotes cannot be considered merely carriers of the mutation. All of the signs and symptoms found in males with Fabry disease also have been reported in females.