Niemann-Pick Disease Type C with Isolated Splenomegaly: A Case Report in a Child

Abstract

Niemann-Pick disease type C is an innate error of lysosomal storage metabolism with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The disease causes intracellular cholesterol accumulation and changes in sphingolipid metabolism. If cholesterol accumulates, the signs and symptoms of visceral involvement predominate. Neurological involvement results from sphingolipid accumulation. A 7-year-old student was referred to a tertiary service for the investigation of asymptomatic splenomegaly. Following an extensive examination, he was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick disease type C. Interestingly, this case's only symptom was splenomegaly.