A 25-year-old man presents with burning pain in hands and feet, angiokeratomas in the bathing trunk area, and proteinuria progressing to renal failure. Corneal opacities are noted on slit-lamp examination. A deficiency of which enzyme is responsible?
- A Galactocerebrosidase
- B Alpha-galactosidase A ✓
- C Arylsulfatase A
- D Alpha-L-iduronidase
Correct answer: B. Alpha-galactosidase A
Explanation
This is Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by alpha-galactosidase B deficiency leading to globotriaosylceramide (Gb3, ceramide trihexoside) accumulation. Galactocerebrosidase deficiency causes Krabbe disease. Arylsulfatase B deficiency causes metachromatic leukodystrophy. Alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency causes Hurler syndrome (MPS I).
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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