Development of a Scoring System to Evaluate the Severity of Craniocervical Spinal Cord Compression in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (Morquio A Syndrome).

Background: As spinal cord compression at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a life-threatening manifestation in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA, surgical decompression should be performed before damage becomes irreversible. We evaluated the diagnostic value of several examinations for determining the need for decompression surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed results of clinical neurological examination, somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 28 MPS IVA patients.

Spinal involvement in mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (Morquio-Brailsford or Morquio A syndrome): presentation, diagnosis and management.

Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA), also known as Morquio-Brailsford or Morquio A syndrome, is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme N-acetyl-galactosamine-6-sulphate sulphatase (GALNS). MPS IVA is multisystemic but manifests primarily as a progressive skeletal dysplasia. Spinal involvement is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in MPS IVA.