[Apeced syndrome or autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome Type 1]

Apeced syndrome is a rare disease, with autosomal recessive transmission and associated with mutations of the AIRE gene, which is involved in central and peripheral immune tolerance mechanisms. Its diagnosis is classically based on the combination of any two of the following three major criteria: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism and autoimmune chronic adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison disease). One single criterion is sufficient to diagnosis a sibling of a patient already diagnosed. Because of its great phenotypic variability, some atypical or oligosymptomatic forms may not be recognized. In the presence of one of the three major criteria, it is thus important to look for other clinical manifestations--digestive, cutaneous (including keratinized appendages) and ophthalmological (until then considered minor). In these atypical forms, the diagnosis depends on molecular genetics. Prognosis is influenced by different factors that may be genetic (AIRE mutations, HLA), hormonal (sex) or environmental (infections). Potentially fatal disease (hepatitis or severe malabsorption) requires immunosuppressant therapy. Before beginning this aggressive treatment, underlying infectious foci, especially of candidiasis, must be sought and treated to prevent the development of extremely serious systemic infections in this context. A workup for splenic atrophy is also recommended.