Hurler Syndrome Mnemonic

Hurler syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive modality. This means that two copies of the abnormal gene (one from each parent) must be present in order for this disease to develop in a patient.

Mucopolysaccharidoses are a set of diseases marked by the inability of the body to breakdown long chain sugar carbohydrates which results in the buildup of these long chain substrates. After a period of time and significant substrate buildup, they can deposit in a variety of tissues to cause disease.

This is the enzyme deficient in Hurler syndrome which results in the accumulation of dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate.

This is a glycosaminoglycan which accumulates in mucopolysaccharidoses including Hunter and Hurler syndromes.

This is a glycosaminoglycan which accumulates in mucopolysaccharidoses including Hunter and Hurler syndrome.

Hepatosplenomegaly in Hurler syndrome is enlargement of the liver and spleen due to accumulation of dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate in the liver and spleen.

Patients with Hurler syndrome suffer from developmental delay due to substrate buildup which affects brain development.

Gargoylism is a term used to describe prominent facial features in patients with Hurler syndrome. Some features include a flat face, depressed nasal bridge, and bulging forehead.

Patients will present with blurred vision and opacification on ophthalmologic exam due to deposition of accumulated substrate in the cornea.

Airway obstruction is a frequent concern of patients with Hurler syndrome. This is often secondary to glycosaminoglycan deposition in the soft tissues of the neck, cervical abnormalities, as well as craniofacial abnormalities which can cause obstruction.