Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a severe form of dyslipidemia characterized by multiple signs and symptoms associated with a deficiency in lipoprotein lipase or one of its cofactors, leading to compromised triglyceride metabolism. FCS has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance and affects approximately 1 to 2 people per million, but it may be more frequent in consanguineous relationships. Knowledge of this condition is still limited, often contributing to delayed diagnosis when complications have already set in. Patients with FCS may have recurrent abdominal pain, episodes of pancreatitis, eruptive xanthomas, lipemia retinalis , hepatosplenomegaly, and a milky appearance of serum.
In classic, severe forms, clinical symptoms are present at birth or even in childhood, but they may manifest at any age, especially in carriers of new mutations. Patients with FCS usually see several specialists before a diagnosis is made. The clinical presentation of FCS may also be indistinguishable from that of multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome, which is more common and also has a genetic basis, although it is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. In addition, multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome may result from conditions such as hypothyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, alcohol abuse, and use of certain medications, which makes its diagnosis even more difficult.
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Brazilian Position Statement for Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome – 2023
Izar,Maria Cristina de Oliveira and Santos Filho,Raul Dias dos and Assad,Marcelo Heitor Vieira and Chagas,Antonio Carlos Palandri and Toledo Júnior,Alceu de Oliveira and Nogueira,Ana Cláudia Cavalcante and Souto,Ana Cristina Carneiro Fernandes and Lottenberg,Ana Maria and Chacra,Ana Paula Marte and Ferreira,Carlos Eduardo dos Santos and Lourenço,Charles Marques and Valerio,Cynthia Melissa and Cintra,Dennys Esper and Fonseca,Francisco Antonio Helfenstein and Campana,Gustavo Aguiar and Bianco,Henrique Tria and Lima,Josivan Gomes de and Castelo,Maria Helane Costa Gurgel and Scartezini,Marileia and Moretti,Miguel Antonio and Barreto,Natasha Slhessarenko Fraife and Maia,Rayana Elias and Montenegro Junior,Renan Magalhães and Alves,Renato Jorge and Figueiredo,Roberta Marcondes Machado and Fock,Rodrigo Ambrosio and Martinez,Tânia Leme da Rocha and Giraldez,Viviane Zorzanelli Rocha. Brazilian Position Statement for Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome – 2023. Arq. Bras. Cardiol. [online]. 2023, vol. 120, n. 4, [cited 2025-10-23], e20230203. Available from: <https://abccardiol.org/en/article/brazilian-position-statement-for-familial-chylomicronemia-syndrome-2023/>. ISSN 0066-782X.