Ectodermal Disorders in Chronic Hypoparathyroidism

Abstract

A case of chronic postoperative hypoparathyroidism in a 50 yr. old 5 is presented. The unusual features were the disorders in structures of ectodermal origin, and cheilitis and glossitis, all of which had a remarkable seasonal recurrence. The skin lesions consisted of solid, marginated, purplish-red patches covered with flaky scales. The lunulae of the nails were white and crumbly, and the nails were separated and elevated distally. The hair was coarse and patchy in distribution. Immature cataract with vacuoles and posterior polar opacities was present on the right. Angular cheilitis and glossitis were noted despite a diet rich in the B complex. These changes appeared each Jan. and disappeared each June over a period of 6 yrs. Following dihydrotachysterol therapy the ectodermal disorders, the cheilitis and glossitis, and all evidence of tetany disappeared and did not recur at the usual time in the following yr.