Late manifestation of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 with hypoparathyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS 1) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the autoimmune regulator AIRE gene. The diagnosis is usually based on the combination of at least two components of the classic triad: mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and primary adrenal insufficiency. Other autoimmune disorders, including thyroid diseases, also occur and may manifest before the primary components. The disease is more likely to   manifest during infancy, but some components may develop in adult patients. As the components of the syndrome do not occur simultaneously, verification of the diagnosis is often delayed. A significant challenge in the management of patients with APS 1 is the selection of optimal drug doses due to polypragmasy and the frequent presence of autoimmune disorders and/or candidiasis of the gastrointestinal tract. We present a clinical case of a patient with an atypical course of APS 1, in whom the first endocrine components (hypoparathyroidism and hypothyroidism) were diagnosed in adulthood. This case highlights the phenotypic diversity of APS 1, and the difficulties in selecting therapy when several autoimmune endocrine diseases are combined.