Alezzandrini Syndrome

March 1, 2007

Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, Eric J. Lewis, MD

Loss of pigmentation was noted around the left eyeof a 49-year-old man-the same eye in which hehad a detached retina. In addition, the patient'shearing was impaired on that side. These findingswere consistent with the diagnosis of Alezzandrinisyndrome, the major manifestations of which includeunilateral degenerative retinitis, ipsilateral facial vitiligo,poliosis of the eyebrows and eyelashes, and ipsilateralhearing deficits.

Loss of pigmentation was noted around the left eye of a 49-year-old man-the same eye in which he had a detached retina. In addition, the patient's hearing was impaired on that side. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of Alezzandrini syndrome, the major manifestations of which include unilateral degenerative retinitis, ipsilateral facial vitiligo, poliosis of the eyebrows and eyelashes, and ipsilateral hearing deficits. Young adults are most commonly affected.