Vitiligo in multiple autoimmune disease: retrospective study of 11 cases and review of the literature.

Purpose. -The occurrence in the same patient of three or more autoimmune diseases defines multiple autoimmune disease. Multiple autoimmune disease is an unusual condition in which dermatological autoimmune diseases and especially vitiligo have an important place. Methods. -We examined retrospectively 11 cases of multiple autoimmune diseases associating vitiligo. We studied the clinical characteristics of vitiligo and those of the associated autoimmune disorders. Results. -Type III multiple autoimmune disease was diagnosed in all the 11 cases observed. Autoimmune vitiligo was the first autoimmune disorder observed in seven cases and was bilateral, symmetrical and acrofacial in eight cases. Autoimmune thyroid disorder was associated in ten cases. Our data confirms the important association between vitiligo and thyroid autoimmune disorders. Conclusion. -The predominant female ratio and the acrofacial topography of skin lesions could predict association with others autoimmune disorders in patients with vitiligo. (C) 1998, Elsevier, Paris.