Differential diagnosis of a patient with lysosomal acid lipase deficiency: A case report

Ashwin S. Akki, Sun M. Chung, Bryan J. Rudolph, Michelle R. Ewart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: We describe the differential diagnosis of an obese 12-year-old boy of Mexican origin who presented with a 6-year history of abnormal lipid profile and elevated liver transaminase levels. Methods: The patient underwent routine clinical testing, an abdominal ultrasound and, ultimately, a liver biopsy. Based on the histologic findings, a serum leukocyte lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) assay and DNA sequencing of the lipase A (LIPA) gene were performed. Results: Liver biopsy revealed diffuse microvesicular steatosis with clusters of foamy histiocytes in the lobules and portal areas. Our differential diagnosis included nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; medication-induced hepatotoxicity; glycogenic hepatopathy; medium-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase or long-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency; and lysosomal storage disorders, including Niemann-Pick disease and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D). Serum LAL activity was absent, and DNA sequencing confirmed homozygous mutation in LIPA. Conclusions: Although it occurs rarely, LAL-D should be considered in the differential diagnosis of microvesicular steatosis for a timely diagnosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)377-384
Number of pages8
JournalLab Medicine
Volume49
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 11 2018

Keywords

  • Liver
  • Lysosomal
  • Metabolic
  • Microvesicular
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Steatosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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