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Tay Sachs Disease
Etiology

Mutations in alpha-subunit locus of hexosaminidase located on chromosome A.
Autosomal recessive.
Pathogenesis

Accumulation of GM2 gangliosides within all cells.
Neural damage in which the overstuffed neurons eventually die dominates the clinical picture.,
Epidemiology

Most common form of GM2 gangliosidosis.
Carrier rate of 1/30 Ashkenazic Jews
General Gross Description

The brain is generally heavier than normal.
It is much tougher than normal.
•Examples:
General Microscopic Description

GM2 glanglioside accumulates everywhere.
Neurons filled with distended lysosomes forming vacuoles.
Fat stains positive.
Electron microscopy shows concentric membranes stuffed inside lysosomes.
Results in necrosis of neurons with "scarring" with microglia.
•Examples:
Tay Sachs Disease Tay Sachs Disease Tay Sachs Disease
Clinical Correlation

Developmental retardation beginning in infancy.
Dementia, paralysis, and death by age 2-3.
Gray white area in retina foveolis surrounds a cherry-red spot which is classic funduscopic finding.
References

Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th ed. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 139-141.

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Tay Sachs Disease
Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (TX7410D14530)[612]
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