Cirrhosis and liver failure: expanding phenotype of Acid sphingomyelinase-deficient niemann-pick disease in adulthood.

Abstract

Acid sphingomyelinase-deficient Niemann-Pick disease (ASMD) includes the severe neuronopathic type A, the non-neuronopathic type B, and rare intermediate cases. Here we report on such an atypical type B patient who died at 31 years of age from liver failure. This male subject was first seen in a paediatric department at the age of 3 years because of significant hepatosplenomegaly. Foam cells in bone marrow, interstitial pneumonitis, a slight facial dysmorphy and normal psychomotor development were additional findings. Acid sphingomyelinase studies in lymphocytes (and later SMPD1 gene studies [c.151_154delGACT; c.1341-21_1341-18delAATG]) established the diagnosis of ASMD. Between the ages 6-27, he developed growth retardation, peripheral neuropathy, kyphoscoliosis, alopecia, and aortic valve insufficiency requiring valve replacement. Surgery for bilateral inguinal hernias was performed twice, when the patient was 10 and 21 years of age, respectively. At the age of 28, he was noted to have hepatosplenomegaly and follow-up investigations revealed ascites and gastric varices. Liver biopsy showed cirrhosis without areas of necrosis (A6 in Child-Pugh classification). He developed haematemesis and worsening encephalopathy leading to his death at age 31. In conclusion, cirrhosis should be considered as a possible complication of ASMD in adult patients, even if hepatic tests are normal.