Ophthalmologic Findings in H Syndrome: A Unique Diagnostic Clue

H syndrome is an autosomal recessive histiocytosis with multisystemic involvement caused by mutations in the SLC29A3 gene. The term H syndrome was coined to denote the major clinical findings which include hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, hearing loss, hepatosplenomegaly, hypogonadism, hyperglycemia/diabetes mellitus and hallux valgus/flexion contractures. Almost 100 individuals affected with this disorder have been reported, however, a thorough evaluation of the ophthalmologic features of H syndrome has not yet been performed.

Ophthalmic examination of a 50-year-old male with H syndrome. Mutation analysis of SLC29A3 was also performed in this patient.

Ophthalmic findings included; shallow orbits with exorbitism, bilateral pterygium, limbal thickening, corneal arcus and cortical cataract. We also review ophthalmologic findings in previously reported H syndrome patients.

The presence of dilated lateral scleral vessels, corneal arcus and shallow orbits should raise the suspicion of H syndrome, especially when seen in young age.