[Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome]

Among many etiologies for hypoparathyroidism, one of the inheritable forms of hypoparathyroidism, called as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS), appears as a complex of hypofunction of several endocrine glands, candidiasis, pernicious anemia and vitiligo. Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism in APS typically presents by 20 years of age. Among the three most components of APS I, candidiasis is usually the first manifestation. Hypoparathyroidism almost invariably precedes the onset of Addison's disease. One should remember that Addison's disease can mask the presence of hypoparathyroidism and that glucocorticoid replacement therapy alone can cause hypocalcemic crisis.