Rapid onset childhood cataracts leading to the diagnosis of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of bilateral cataracts in a child that led to diagnosis of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy.


METHODS
Observational case report.


METHODS
A 12-year-old boy was being investigated for weakness, lethargy, short stature, and blurred vision. He developed bilateral, dense cataracts over a 2-week period. He was found to be hypocalcemic and diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism and autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy.


RESULTS
Because of hypoparathyroidism, adrenocortical failure, and insulin-dependent diabetes, it was 9 months before the patient's metabolic imbalance was brought under sufficient control to allow cataract surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy should be considered with diagnoses of hypocalcemic cataract.
Department of Ophthalmology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom. RRajendram@DohenyEyeInstitute.org
Ranjan
R
Rajendram
James A
JA
Deane
Martin
M
Barnes
Peter G F
PG
Swift
Karen
K
Adamson
Simon
S
Pearce
Geoffrey
G
Woodruff
D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002386:Cataract / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007011:Hypoparathyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D016884:Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D002118:Calcium