Schmidt syndrome/autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type II

 
 

Overview

Schmidt syndrome, also known as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type II, affects several glands at once and causes decreased production of several essential hormones. This syndrome is a combination of autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), autoimmune hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s, and/or type 1 diabetes. 

Common Symptoms

Symptoms are those of the underlying diseases, varying in combination:  

  • Addison’s disease: low blood pressure and increased water excretion that can lead to severe dehydration
  • Autoimmune hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s: enlarged thyroid gland in the neck, a dull facial expression, puffiness and swelling around the eyes, coarse and dry thinning hair, and drooping eyelids
  • Type 1 diabetes: frequent urination, extreme thirst, constant hunger, weight loss, itching of the skin, and changes in vision

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Primary hypogonadism, myasthenia gravis, and celiac disease.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Age between 30’s – 50 and family history of the disease.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Anyfantakis, D., Symvoulakis, E., Vourliotaki, I., & Kastanakis, S. (2013). Schmidt’s syndrome presenting as a generalised anxiety disorder: A case report. Journal of Medicine and Life, 6(4), 451–453. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034301/

    2. Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type II. (n.d.). NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/autoimmune-polyendocrine-syndrome-type-ii/

    3. Schmidt Syndrome and Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 2 | Johns Hopkins Diabetes Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved June 12, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_Diabetes_Guide/547131/all/Schmidt_Syndrome?refer=true

    4. Stahn, B., & Scheit, L. (2019). [The Schmidt’s Syndrome]. Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946), 144(24), 1741–1744. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0875-4538