Polyglandular Syndrome Type III and Severe Peripheral Neuropathy: An Unusual Association

Introduction: Polyglandular syndrome is characterized by the association of autoimmune, organ-specific, endocrine and non-endocrine diseases. Objective: To present a case of polyglandular syndrome type III (b) accompanied by pernicious anemia and autoimmune thyroiditis. Method: Report the clinical c...

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Main Authors: Arthur Wagner Pimentel de Sousa, Vanessa Maia da Silva, Priscilla Alencar Fernandes, Daniel Uchôa Araújo, Gilmar Mamede de Carvalho, Erick José de Morais Villar, Mônica Souza de Miranda-Henriques
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karger Publishers 2015-01-01
Series:GE: Portuguese Journal of Gastroenterology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2341454514001185
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Summary:Introduction: Polyglandular syndrome is characterized by the association of autoimmune, organ-specific, endocrine and non-endocrine diseases. Objective: To present a case of polyglandular syndrome type III (b) accompanied by pernicious anemia and autoimmune thyroiditis. Method: Report the clinical case of a young patient that developed progressive and disabling peripheral neuropathy framework, triggered by vitamin B12 deficiency. Discussion: It was proven that atrophic gastritis with positive intrinsic anti-factor was responsible for the framework of pernicious anemia, which in turn dangerously reduced the serum levels of vitamin B12, leading to myelopathy. There was a progressive neurological improvement after parenteral cyanocobalamin replacement, keeping the patient at ambulatory, under maintenance therapy. Conclusion: The importance of suspecting on polyglandular syndrome in the presence of autoimmune frameworks is important, especially those involving diabetes, thyroiditis, atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, among others.
ISSN:2341-4545