[Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome]

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