In this disease, also called lipogranulomatosis, there is painful arthritis, subcutaneous nodules, a hoarse voice and a progressive course, usually with early death, although a few patients survive for two decades. There is usually progressive psychomotor regression although in some cases this appears only later in the course of the disease. A macular cherry-red spot is sometimes seen.
ENZYME TESTS: Deficiency of acid ceramidase is the primary defect.