Rheumatoid-like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13-year-old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report

Abstract Background Familial hypercholesterolemia is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, tendon xanthomas, and an increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease. Diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia at an early age is crucia...

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Main Authors: Anjuman Ara Rahman, Abhijit Datta, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Anindita Das Barshan, Mohammad Jahid Hasan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05070-z
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author Anjuman Ara Rahman
Abhijit Datta
Kamal Uddin Ahmed
Anindita Das Barshan
Mohammad Jahid Hasan
author_facet Anjuman Ara Rahman
Abhijit Datta
Kamal Uddin Ahmed
Anindita Das Barshan
Mohammad Jahid Hasan
author_sort Anjuman Ara Rahman
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Familial hypercholesterolemia is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, tendon xanthomas, and an increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease. Diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia at an early age is crucial owing to its potential to lead to severe cardiovascular complications, including coronary heart disease and aortic valve disease. Early detection allows timely intervention, such as lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments, which can significantly reduce these risks. Case presentation In this case report, we present a case of familial hypercholesterolemia in a 13-year-old Bangladeshi girl residing in Faridpur, Bangladesh. The patient presented with a distinctive clinical profile, including the presence of tendon xanthoma in the hands and cutaneous xanthoma in the elbow, knee, and buttocks, as well as recent development of aortic valvular diseases. In addition, she experienced joint deformity in both hands, mimicking rheumatoid arthritis, which is uncommon. The patient was diagnosed and underwent treatment through both lifestyle changes and medication. Moreover, her family received genetic counseling, and she was scheduled for regular follow-up. Conclusion This case underscores the significance of identifying important physical signs in the diagnosis and management of familial hypercholesterolemia, particularly in settings where genetic testing may be limited. Moreover, the unique coexistence of familial hypercholesterolemia with hand joint deformity and aortic valvular heart disease serves as a clinical clue that can facilitate diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions. A high index of suspicion is essential for timely diagnosis and tailored management, thus reducing the burden of atherosclerotic heart disease in affected individuals.
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spelling doaj-art-350be81cde134539a90befa078a011332025-02-09T12:38:37ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-02-011911510.1186/s13256-025-05070-zRheumatoid-like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13-year-old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a case reportAnjuman Ara Rahman0Abhijit Datta1Kamal Uddin Ahmed2Anindita Das Barshan3Mohammad Jahid Hasan4Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College HospitalBangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College HospitalDepartment of Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College HospitalTropical Disease and Health Research CenterTropical Disease and Health Research CenterAbstract Background Familial hypercholesterolemia is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, tendon xanthomas, and an increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease. Diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia at an early age is crucial owing to its potential to lead to severe cardiovascular complications, including coronary heart disease and aortic valve disease. Early detection allows timely intervention, such as lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments, which can significantly reduce these risks. Case presentation In this case report, we present a case of familial hypercholesterolemia in a 13-year-old Bangladeshi girl residing in Faridpur, Bangladesh. The patient presented with a distinctive clinical profile, including the presence of tendon xanthoma in the hands and cutaneous xanthoma in the elbow, knee, and buttocks, as well as recent development of aortic valvular diseases. In addition, she experienced joint deformity in both hands, mimicking rheumatoid arthritis, which is uncommon. The patient was diagnosed and underwent treatment through both lifestyle changes and medication. Moreover, her family received genetic counseling, and she was scheduled for regular follow-up. Conclusion This case underscores the significance of identifying important physical signs in the diagnosis and management of familial hypercholesterolemia, particularly in settings where genetic testing may be limited. Moreover, the unique coexistence of familial hypercholesterolemia with hand joint deformity and aortic valvular heart disease serves as a clinical clue that can facilitate diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions. A high index of suspicion is essential for timely diagnosis and tailored management, thus reducing the burden of atherosclerotic heart disease in affected individuals.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05070-zFamilial hypercholesterolemiaCase reportAutosomal dominant disorderTendon xanthomaAortic valve disease
spellingShingle Anjuman Ara Rahman
Abhijit Datta
Kamal Uddin Ahmed
Anindita Das Barshan
Mohammad Jahid Hasan
Rheumatoid-like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13-year-old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports
Familial hypercholesterolemia
Case report
Autosomal dominant disorder
Tendon xanthoma
Aortic valve disease
title Rheumatoid-like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13-year-old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
title_full Rheumatoid-like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13-year-old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
title_fullStr Rheumatoid-like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13-year-old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
title_full_unstemmed Rheumatoid-like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13-year-old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
title_short Rheumatoid-like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13-year-old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
title_sort rheumatoid like hand deformities and aortic valve disease in a 13 year old girl with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia a case report
topic Familial hypercholesterolemia
Case report
Autosomal dominant disorder
Tendon xanthoma
Aortic valve disease
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05070-z
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