[Alström syndrome--a rare disease of diabetic association].

BACKGROUND: Alström's disease is a rare hereditary multiple-system illness, whereas a second-messenger defect can be assumed. CASE REPORT: We describe a case-the first in Germany of 15 known cases in the world literature-, who suffers from all clinical features, such as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, retinitis pigmentosa, pancochlear damage of the ears, hypogonadism, obesity and chronic nephropathy, with the exception of acanthosis nigricans.
CONCLUSION: Because of the multiplicity of affected organs the diagnosis of Alström's disease is difficult.