Cholesteryl Ester Storage Disease and Wolman Disease (Wolman's Disease)

By Matt Demczko, MD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University

Last full review/revision February 2018 by Matt Demczko, MD 

 

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version

 

Cholesteryl ester storage disease and Wolman disease are lipid storage diseases (lipidoses) that are caused by a buildup of types of cholesterol and triglycerides in the tissues. These diseases cause high levels of fats in the blood and an enlarged liver. Hereditary diseases occur when parents pass the defective genes that cause these diseases on to their children.

 

(See also Overview of Hereditary Metabolic Disorders.)

Lipidoses occur when the body lacks one of the enzymes that help the body break down (metabolize) and process fats (lipids). This can lead to the buildup of specific fatty substances that normally would have been broken down by the enzymes. Over time, accumulations of these substances can be harmful to many organs of the body.

In cholesteryl ester storage disease and Wolman disease, cholesterol and triglycerides, which are important fats (lipids) in the blood, accumulate in tissues. The enzyme needed to break down cholesterol and triglycerides, called lysosomal acid lipase, does not work correctly.

 

Wolman disease

Wolman disease is the more severe disease. This disease occurs in the first few weeks of life. Infants feed poorly, vomit, and have an enlarged spleen and liver. Calcium deposits in the adrenal glands cause them to harden. Bowel movements contain excess fat, which results in oily, unusually foul-smelling, bulky stools (steatorrhea). Infants with Wolman disease usually die by 6 months of age.

 

Cholesteryl ester storage disease

Cholesteryl ester storage disease is less severe than Wolman disease and may not occur until later in life, even adulthood, at which time people may have an enlarged liver and spleen. People may develop premature hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which is often severe.

 

Diagnosis

• Prenatal screening tests if suspected
  
• Liver biopsy
  

Before birth, cholesteryl ester storage disease and Wolman disease can be diagnosed in the fetus by chorionic villus sampling.

After birth, doctors measure levels of lysosomal acid lipase in a biopsy sample of the liver or other tissues (removal of a tissue specimen for examination under a microscope). Genetic testing, which is used to determine whether a couple is at increased risk of having a baby with a hereditary genetic disorder, is also available.

 

Treatment

• Enzyme replacement therapy
  

Enzyme replacement therapy with sebelipase alfa can be used to treat both disorders.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version