Pediatrics · Genetic and Metabolic Disorders (Chromosomal, Lysosomal, Amino Acid)

A 4-year-old child with painless hepatosplenomegaly has bone marrow aspiration showing large macrophages with fibrillary cytoplasm resembling crumpled tissue paper. Acid beta-glucosidase activity in leukocytes is reduced. Which additional complication should be anticipated in this child?

  • A Corneal clouding with dysostosis multiplex
  • B Cherry-red spot at the macula
  • C Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head and Erlenmeyer flask deformity of femur
  • D Recurrent sinopulmonary infections with absent B cells
Correct answer: C. Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head and Erlenmeyer flask deformity of femur

Explanation

Gaucher disease (glucocerebrosidase deficiency) produces lipid-laden macrophages with crumpled tissue-paper cytoplasm. Type 1 disease features hepatosplenomegaly, hypersplenism, and skeletal involvement including avascular necrosis of the femoral head, osteopenia, and Erlenmeyer flask deformity. Cherry-red spot occurs in sphingolipidoses with neuronal storage such as Tay-Sachs and Niemann-Pick, and glycosaminoglycan features belong to mucopolysaccharidoses.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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