Cataract-Alopecia-Sclerodactyly Syndrome

Inherited condition affecting skin, eyes and digits.

CASS.

Described in only one family with 5 affected siblings on Rodrigues Island in the Indian ocean (approximately 1600 km east of Madagascar). Autosomal recessive.

Sclerodactyly, hyperkeratosis, digital contractures, and pseudo-Ainhum syndrome (digital constriction bands with autoamputation) associated with cataract and total alopecia.

Anesthesia in this condition has not been described. Theoretically, the digital features may limit the patient's ability to activate certain devices, such as a pump for patient controlled analgesia.

Ainhum: A narrow strip of hardened skin with constricting ring formation on the little toe at the level of digitoplantar fold progressively leading to spontaneous amputation.