Rapid onset childhood cataracts leading to the diagnosis of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy.
PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral cataracts in a child that led to diagnosis of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 12-year-old boy was being investigated for weakness, lethargy, short stature, and blurred vision. He developed bilateral, dense cataracts over a 2-week period. He was found to be hypocalcemic and diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism and autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy. RESULTS: Because of hypoparathyroidism, adrenocortical failure, and insulin-dependent diabetes, it was 9 months before the patient's metabolic imbalance was brought under sufficient control to allow cataract surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy should be considered with diagnoses of hypocalcemic cataract.