▶ Previous Artlcle : #3-1. Diseases associated with clinical presentations
Diseases associated with vitiligo
Among different classes of vitiligo, generalized vitiligo is associated with various autoimmune disorders, most common of which are Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) and Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism). In addition, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes with adulthood onset, perniciou anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Addison's disease have higher incidence in patients with generalized vitiligo compared to general population. Concurrent existence of these autoimmune disorders with generalized vitiligo may also be associated with type 1 and 2 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrom. Moreover, vitiligo may occur as part of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada syndrome which affects various organs with melanocytes such th eye, inner ear, cerebral meninges, and skin.
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As vitiligo is associated with many autoimmune disorders, screening of these conditions at diagnosis is helpful. In particular, screenings for T4, thyroid stimulating hormone, antinuclear antibody, antithyroglobuli antibody, antithyroid peroxidase antibody, and complete blood cell count are necessary if thyroid disorder is suspected. Confirmatory biopsy is rarely needed in vitiligo diagnosis, however, it can be performed to check for remaining melanocytes.
Figure 2. Blue vitiligo
-To be continued-
▶ Next Artlcle : #4-1. Treatment of Vitiligo
