Satoyoshi syndrome

Satoyoshi syndrome is a very rare disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by progressive, intermittent, painful muscle spasms, alopecia universalis, diarrhea or unusual malabsorption, various endocrine disorders, and secondary skeletal abnormalities. This report describes a 9-year-old Thai girl who developed alopecia universalis when she was 6 years old. At age 7 years, she began to have recurrent, painful muscle spasms. The spasms progressed in time, producing recurrent patella dislocation. The laboratory investigations and radiologic study were compatible with Satoyoshi syndrome. She was treated with oral corticosteroid therapy, with marked improvement of her muscle spasms and alopecia. She underwent corrective surgery for deformities of both knees with a normal healing process.