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Accelerated phase of Chediak-Higashi syndrome

Accelerated phase of Chediak-Higashi syndrome
#00012695
Author: Sheeja T. Pullarkat
Category: Primary Immunodeficiency (PID) > Other immunodeficiencies > Immunodeficiency with Albinism > Chediak-Higashi Syndrome
Published Date: 10/29/2012

An 18-month-old girl with a diagnosis of Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) presented with severe bacterial skin infection. Recurrent episodes of bacterial infections began at the age of 2 months. On physical examination, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, skin hypopigmentation, and silvery hair were noted. Bone marrow aspirate revealed prominent granules (top left and right) within the lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Phagocytosis of red cells and red-cell precursors (arrows) is also seen. A diagnosis of “accelerated phase” of CHS was made. She underwent an unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Three years later she is well and attending school. Chediak-Higashi syndrome is a rare childhood autosomal recessive disorder of defective phagolysosome dysfunction. The gene CHS/LYST1 on chromosome 1q42-43 codes for CHS/LYST1 protein that is associated with microtubules and regulates lysosome-related organelle size and movement.