Alpha-mannosidosis is a progressive, highly heterogeneous disease that is difficult to recognize and therefore it is likely to be underdiagnosed.1
Since the main symptoms of mannosidosis, like dysmorphic traits, dysostosis, and mental retardation, are shared with the symptoms in many lysosomal storage diseases like mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), a differential diagnosis with other lysosomal storage diseases, especially mucopolysaccharidosis, is challenging and therefore a fast and reliable diagnostic test is crucial. 2, 3
A pilot study of 1010 individuals, suspicious to MPS based on clinical assessment, investigated the α-mannosidase activity in dried blood spots samples previously tested for six different MPS types.3 Results showed a higher than expected number of alpha-mannosidosis cases, suggesting that the incidence of the disease may be higher than previously thought.3
Therefore, for patients with possible MPS but with a negative MPS test result, subsequent alpha-mannosidase testing is strongly recommended.3
According to the severity of the symptoms, at least three clinical types of alpha-mannosidosis (mild, moderate and severe) have been suggested.2, 5
A mild form, clinically recognized after ten years of age, with absence of skeletal abnormalities, and very slow progression.2
A moderate form, recognized before 10 years of age, with presence of skeletal abnormalities, slow progression and development of ataxia at age 20-30. This is the most common form.2
A severe form, immediately recognized with skeletal abnormalities, and obvious progression, leading to an early death from primary central nervous system involvement or myopathy.2
Despite this classification, given the variety of mutations that have been documented, the broad range and severity of symptoms, and no clear relationship between genotype and severity of the disease, alpha-mannosidosis is clinically considered as a continuum, from mild to severe.2, 4, 6
Early diagnosis of alpha-mannosidosis is key to timely initiation of treatment, and minimization of progressive symptoms.1, 7
A diagnosis of alpha-mannosidosis is suspected based upon identification of:2
Other than that, also a thorough clinical evaluation and a detailed patient history are key elements.
Diagnostic methods useful for alpha-mannosidosis identification are:
Due to the difficulty to get an early diagnosis and the lack of internationally recognized guidelines, in 2019, an international working group of experts met to establish an algorithm to help general practitioners and specialists (metabolic and non-metabolic) to achieve early diagnosis of alpha-mannosidosis and initiate adequate treatment as soon as possible.7
The information on this website is intended only to provide knowledge of Alpha Mannosidosis disease health topics. This information should not be used in place of advice from your GP or other healthcare professional. If in doubt please contact your doctor for advice. This website has been produced by Chiesi Pharmaceuticals. The website has been developed in accordance with industry and legal standards to provide information for healthcare professionals and the general public about Alpha Mannosidosis disease health topics. Chiesi Pharmaceuticals makes every reasonable effort to include accurate and current information. However, the information provided in this website is not exhaustive.
