Generalized vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by melanocyte loss, which results in patchy depigmentation of skin and hair, and is associated with an elevated risk of other autoimmune diseases. It is a genetically complex disorder involving multiple ... Generalized vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by melanocyte loss, which results in patchy depigmentation of skin and hair, and is associated with an elevated risk of other autoimmune diseases. It is a genetically complex disorder involving multiple susceptibility genes and unknown environmental triggers. Patients with generalized vitiligo have elevated frequencies of other autoimmune diseases, suggesting that these diseases involve shared genetic components (summary by Jin et al., 2010). - Genetic Heterogeneity of Vitiligo-Associated Multiple Autoimmune Disease Susceptibility Additional forms of vitiligo-associated multiple autoimmune disease susceptibility have been mapped to chromosomes 1p31 (VAMAS2, 607836, associated with mutation in the FOXD3 gene, 611539), 7 (VAMAS3; 608391), 8 (VAMAS4; 608392), 4 (VAMAS5; 609400), and 6p21.3 (VAMAS6; 193200).
McKusick (1983) observed a family in Maine in which vitiligo occurred in many members. The occurrence of halo nevi (see 234300) as a striking feature of the proband and some others suggested that this is a manifestation of ... McKusick (1983) observed a family in Maine in which vitiligo occurred in many members. The occurrence of halo nevi (see 234300) as a striking feature of the proband and some others suggested that this is a manifestation of vitiligo. Thyrotoxicosis and pernicious anemia were also present in the family. The family came from a moderately inbred community and the parents of the proband were probably remotely related.