Attenuation of Autoimmune Phenomena in a Patient with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a progressive life-threatening illness with no known cure. Current treatments involve replacement of the hormone deficiencies that result from autoimmune destruction of multiple endocrine organs. We report on a girl whose disease was progressing rapidly until she began on immunosuppressive agents. A healthy 6-year-old girl with no remarkable medical history presented with new onset hypocalcemic seizures and primary hypoparathyroidism. Howell-Jolly bodies consistent with autoimmune hyposplenism were also noted. Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygosity for 2 disease-associated variants in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. She later developed elevated liver enzymes, primary adrenal insufficiency, and alopecia totalis. Serologic testing revealed antibodies to 21-hydroxylase, intrinsic factor, and smooth muscle. Hydrocortisone was initiated for adrenal insufficiency. Shortly afterwards, her liver enzymes normalized, and her smooth muscle antibody levels began to decline. Serologic testing performed at age 11 revealed seropositivity for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and Sjögren syndrome A (SSA) antibodies. At age 12, she was given 2 doses of rituximab. Hair loss rapidly progressed to alopecia totalis and then to alopecia universalis, at which time oral methotrexate treatment was initiated. For the past 7 years while on glucocorticoid and methotrexate treatment, our patient has displayed normalization of 2 antibodies, a lack of progression to additional autoimmune diseases, and experienced reversal of alopecia universalis.

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Atypical presentation of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 in the fifth decade

BMJ Case Reports ◽

10.1136/bcr-2021-241680 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. e241680

Author(s):

Aditya Sanjeevi ◽

Adlyne Reena Asirvatham ◽

Karthik Balachandran ◽

Shriraam Mahadevan

Keyword(s):

Adrenal Insufficiency ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis ◽

Syndrome Type ◽

Primary Amenorrhoea ◽

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome ◽

Nail Changes ◽

History Of ◽

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type

A 45-year-old woman presented to us with a short-term history of nausea, vomiting and giddiness. On arrival at our hospital, examination revealed postural hypotension. Fluid resuscitation with intravenous normal saline was commenced. She also had chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and nail changes suggestive of ectodermal dystrophy. Detailed history taking revealed that she had never attained menarche. Serum biochemistries showed hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, and hypocalcaemia (sodium, 127 mEq/L; potassium, 6 mEq/L; and albumin-corrected calcium, 6 mg/dL). Adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated cortisol (16.7 mcg/dL) was suboptimal favouring adrenal insufficiency. She was started on hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone supplementation. Additionally, the parathyroid hormone was inappropriately low (3.8 pg/mL) confirming hypoparathyroidism. Oral calcium and active vitamin D supplementation were added. With the above clinical and biochemical picture, namely, clustering of primary amenorrhoea, adrenal insufficiency and hypoparathyroidism, the diagnosis pointed towards autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. Genetic workup revealed a deletion in exon 8 of the autoimmune regulator gene confirming the diagnosis of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy/autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 .

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A case of late manifestation of primary adrenal insufficiency in the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1

Almanac of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.18786/2072-0505-2019-47-017 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 175-179

Author(s):

V. V. Troshina ◽

T. A. Grebennikova ◽

Zh. E. Belaya

Keyword(s):

Adrenal Insufficiency ◽

Clinical Case ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Syndrome Type ◽

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency ◽

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome ◽

Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome ◽

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type ◽

Timely Treatment

The article describes a clinical case of primary adrenal insufficiency which manifested at an atypically advanced age. Primary adrenal insufficiency combined with other clinical symptoms suggested the autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1. Subsequently, the diagnosis was confirmed by the results of genetic testing. The particulars of the clinical case include the age of patient at manifestation of the disease (49 years). The lack of treatment resulted in dramatic clinical decompensation. This clinical case is intended to draw clinicians' attention to the necessity of detection of primary adrenal insufficiency and appropriate and timely treatment. Taking into account eventual diagnostic problems, it is necessary to raise awareness about this disease among practicing doctors of various specialties.

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SAT-333 Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1 in a Patient with Bipolar Disorder

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.304 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Aakash Rajwani ◽

Ari Eckman

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Adrenal Insufficiency ◽

Dystrophic Calcification ◽

Syndrome Type ◽

Psychiatric Facility ◽

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome ◽

Mucocutaneous Candidiasis ◽

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type

Abstract Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1 (APS-1) is clinically defined as the presence of at least two components of the classic triad of hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and mucocutaneous candidiasis. It is commonly seen amongst Finns, Sardinians and Iranian Jews and is a very rare condition, with a challenging set of management. 50-year old female with a known past medical history of Bipolar disorder, Primary Adrenal Insufficiency, Hypothyroidism, Alopecia was transferred from an acute psychiatric facility for medical clearance. Patient was noted to have findings initially suggestive of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage on a CT scan of the Head which was later deemed to be likely dystrophic calcification. During her stay on the medical floors, patient was found to be unresponsive and hypotensive, after a bout of agitation. She had to be urgently intubated and started on stress doses of steroids (Hydrocortisone 100 mg every 8 hours) and was upgraded to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Patient was eventually successfully weaned off the ventilator and steroid doses were slowly tapered. During her hospital course she was noted to have gradually decreasing Calcium levels, down to a corrected Calcium level of 7.6. Further workup for the hypocalcemia revealed a Vitamin D Level of 12, and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) level of 0. Patient was subsequently started on adequate Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation for the same. After a few days when the family was located and contacted through social work support, and a more thorough history was obtained, it was found that one out of the patient’s three sisters had a similar constellation of deficiencies. Patient had previously been diagnosed with a polyendocrine syndrome, however she was irregular with her medication compliance and follow-up outpatient with her endocrinologist due to her persistent psychiatric issues and poor social support. APS-1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutation in AIRE, the autoimmune regulator gene which is hypothesized to be playing an important role in the generation of regulatory T cells. Although the complete pathogenesis is unclear, mutation in generation of these regulatory cells leads to autoantibody formation. Hypoparathyroidism or Chronic persistent Mucocutaneous Candidiasis is usually the first manifestation seen during adolescence and adrenal insufficiency usually manifests later. A variation of other autoimmune syndromes can be observed, with Hypothyroidism, Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus and Primary Hypogonadism being a few of them. Treatment primarily involves replenishment of the hormones of the underperforming gland. Management of a complex syndrome like APS-1 in a patient with psychiatric disabilities can be challenging and needs a multi-disciplinary approach involving the endocrinologist, the primary care physician and the psychiatrist.

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