Pathologic Femur Fracture in a Young Patient with Suspected Gaucher Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach in the Diagnosis and Management of a Rare Condition

We present the case of an 18-year-old female patient with a history of pathologic right femur fracture in 2022, who was admitted to the emergency department for a diaphyseal fracture of the left femur secondary to a low-energy fall. Clinical, radiological and laboratory evaluation revealed findings suggestive of underlying systemic disease, including pancytopenia, splenomegaly and abnormal cellular features on bone marrow aspirate, compatible with a lysosomal deposition disease, specifically Gaucher disease. Management included open reduction and internal fixation of the left femur, along with multiple blood product transfusions due to refractory anemia. Despite surgical treatment, the patient presented postoperative complications, including persistent anemia and poor bone quality, suggesting a poor functional prognosis. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and management of pathologic fractures in young patients, especially when underlying systemic disease is suspected. Diagnostic confirmation by measuring glucocerebrosidase enzyme activity is essential to establish specific treatment and improve long-term prognosis.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2025-04-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15285920
Primary Topic
Lysosomal Storage Disorders Research
Type
article
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article

Pathologic Femur Fracture in a Young Patient with Suspected Gaucher Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach in the Diagnosis and Management of a Rare Condition

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Lysosomal Storage Disorders Research
article

Pathologic Femur Fracture in a Young Patient with Suspected Gaucher Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach in the Diagnosis and Management of a Rare Condition

article en

Abstract

We present the case of an 18-year-old female patient with a history of pathologic right femur fracture in 2022, who was admitted to the emergency department for a diaphyseal fracture of the left femur secondary to a low-energy fall. Clinical, radiological and laboratory evaluation revealed findings suggestive of underlying systemic disease, including pancytopenia, splenomegaly and abnormal cellular features on bone marrow aspirate, compatible with a lysosomal deposition disease, specifically Gaucher disease. Management included open reduction and internal fixation of the left femur, along with multiple blood product transfusions due to refractory anemia. Despite surgical treatment, the patient presented postoperative complications, including persistent anemia and poor bone quality, suggesting a poor functional prognosis. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and management of pathologic fractures in young patients, especially when underlying systemic disease is suspected. Diagnostic confirmation by measuring glucocerebrosidase enzyme activity is essential to establish specific treatment and improve long-term prognosis.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Mexican Social Security Institute (MX), Hospital General De Zona (MX)
No poverty
Openalex Percentile: Top 44%
Lysosomal Storage Disorders Research
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