The oral manifestations of Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis VI): A case report

Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome is one of the genetic disorders involving disturbances in mucopolysaccharide metabolism resulting in increased storage of acid mucopolysaccharide in various tissues. The basic defect in Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome is a deficiency of arylsulfatase B, which leads to accumulation of dermatan sulfate in tissues and their urinary excretion. The deposition of mucopolysaccharides leads to a progressive disorder involving multiple organs that often results in death in the second decade of life. This disease, which has several oral and dental manifestations, is first diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings. A large head, short neck, corneal opacity, open mouth associated with an enlarged tongue, enlargement of skull, and a long antero-posterior dimension are the main characteristic features. Dental complications can be severe and include unerupted dentition, dentigerous cystlike follicles, malocclusions, condylar defects, and gingival hyperplasia. An 11-year-old boy with Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type VI) is described in this article, with special emphasis on the oral manifestations.