The occurrence of polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type III associated with coeliac disease in patients with sarcoidosis

Abstract. Objectives. To study whether an association between polyglandular autoimmune (PGA) syndrome type III [including autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)], coeliac disease and sarcoidosis, exists. Design. In patients with documented sarcoidosis, the presence of the disease constellation of ATD, IDDM and coeliac disease was examined. Setting. The patients were recruited at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, and the study was conducted at the Department of Endocrinology, Lund University Clinics, General Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. Subjects. Of all patients (n = 89) with documented sarcoidosis attending the Department of Pulmonary Medicine between January 1980 and December 1991, 78 patients (44 males, 34 females; median age at the time of the study 48 years, range 22–81 years; median observation time since the diagnosis of sarcoidosis 120 months, range 1–468 months) were examined in the present study. Results. Amongst the 78 patients with documented sarcoidosis, one female patient was found with PGA syndrome type III, coeliac disease and sarcoidosis. Conclusions. This present patient further indicates the existence of an association between polyglandular autoimmune (PGA) syndrome type III, coeliac disease and sarcoidosis. To determine whether this disease constellation might constitute a new syndrome, further studies on larger groups of patients with sarcoidosis are demanded.