Progressive erythrokeratodermia and cochlear hearing impairment. A case report and review of the literature.

A female child with congenital progressive erythrokeratodermia combined with sensory hearing loss observed through a period of 5 years is reported. She demonstrates symmetrical hyperkeratotic skin changes, verrucous plaques on her nose cheeks, ears, chin, knees, elbows, and heels. Electron microscopic studies of her skin did not reveal qualitative changes, her moderate to severe hearing impairment is of cochlear origin, moderately progressive, and particularly affecting the high frequencies. Up to now a vascularizing keratitis could not be detected. Her family history is not contributory. Twenty-eight similar cases from the literature, mainly reported as 'KID' syndrome, are reviewed. There are two familial instances. Autosomal dominant inheritance is assumed. We consider the acronymic designation 'KID' syndrome misleading, since the main features of the disorder are a progressive erythrokeratodermia, cochlear deafness, and non-obligatory vascularizing keratitis.