Pseudoxanthoma elasticum and familial hypercholesterolemia: a deleterious combination of cardiovascular risk factors

Atherosclerosis. 2010 May;210(1):173-6. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.11.028. Epub 2009 Nov 24.

Abstract

Background and objective: Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE), an autosomal recessive disease due to mutations in ABCC6 gene, is characterised by fragmentation of elastic fibres with involvement of the cardiovascular system. We investigated a 60-year-old female with angina pectoris found to have PXE, associated with elevated plasma LDL-C suspected to be due to autosomal-co-dominant hypercholesterolemia.

Methods: ABCC6, LDLR, PCSK9 and exon 26 of APOB genes were re-sequenced. Cardiovascular involvement was assessed by coronary angiography, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and ultrasound examination.

Results and conclusions: The patient was a compound heterozygous for two ABCC6 mutations (p.S317R and p.R1141X) and heterozygous for a novel LDLR mutation (p.R574H). She had severe coronary stenosis and calcification of the arteries of the lower limbs. Treatment with ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/60mg/day, maintained over a 4.5-year period, reduced of LDL-C and the myocardial ischemic area. In PXE patients LDL-lowering treatment might contribute to delay macrovascular complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Coronary Artery Disease / etiology*
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / complications*
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / drug therapy
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / genetics
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Pedigree
  • Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum / complications*
  • Risk Management

Substances

  • ABCC6 protein, human
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins