Cataracts in Alopecia Areata

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Abstract
The occurrence of cataracts as a complication of certain dermatologic entities or syndromes is well known, but the association of cataracts with alopecia areata is a rarity. Five such patients, all adults with alopecia universalis, are described. Four of them were women. In two instances, rapid impairment of vision coincided with episodes of sudden and widespread alopecia. In one case there was a record of mild atopic dermatitis and asthma in earlier years. Intradermal tests (injection of 0.1% methacholine chloride) in two cases showed a delayed blanching reaction. The cataracts have been removed surgically in three of the patients; a fourth will need this operation in the near future. The cause of alopecia areata and of cataracts is unknown; whether both are due to the same fundamental abnormality is speculative. It is recommended that slit-lamp examination be carried out in cases of alopecia universalis as well as in those with repeated episodes of extensive alopecia areata.

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