scholarly journals Disorders of Sex Development of Adrenal Origin

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela P. Finkielstain ◽  
Ana Vieites ◽  
Ignacio Bergadá ◽  
Rodolfo A. Rey

Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) are anomalies occurring in the process of fetal sexual differentiation that result in a discordance between the chromosomal sex and the sex of the gonads and/or the internal and/or external genitalia. Congenital disorders affecting adrenal function may be associated with DSD in both 46,XX and 46,XY individuals, but the pathogenic mechanisms differ. While in 46,XX cases, the adrenal steroidogenic disorder is responsible for the genital anomalies, in 46,XY patients DSD results from the associated testicular dysfunction. Primary adrenal insufficiency, characterized by a reduction in cortisol secretion and overproduction of ACTH, is the rule. In addition, patients may exhibit aldosterone deficiency leading to salt-wasting crises that may be life-threatening. The trophic effect of ACTH provokes congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Adrenal steroidogenic defects leading to 46,XX DSD are 21-hydroxylase deficiency, by far the most prevalent, and 11β-hydroxylase deficiency. Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to StAR defects, and cytochrome P450scc and P450c17 deficiencies cause DSD in 46,XY newborns. Mutations in SF1 may also result in combined adrenal and testicular failure leading to DSD in 46,XY individuals. Finally, impaired activities of 3βHSD2 or POR may lead to DSD in both 46,XX and 46,XY individuals. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of the above-mentioned disorders are critically reviewed, with a special focus on the latest biomarkers and therapeutic development.

2000 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perrin C. White ◽  
Phyllis W. Speiser

Abstract More than 90% of cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH, the inherited inability to synthesize cortisol) are caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Females with severe, classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency are exposed to excess androgens prenatally and are born with virilized external genitalia. Most patients cannot synthesize sufficient aldosterone to maintain sodium balance and may develop potentially fatal “salt wasting” crises if not treated. The disease is caused by mutations in the CYP21 gene encoding the steroid 21-hydroxylase enzyme. More than 90% of these mutations result from intergenic recombinations between CYP21 and the closely linked CYP21P pseudogene. Approximately 20% are gene deletions due to unequal crossing over during meiosis, whereas the remainder are gene conversions—transfers to CYP21 of deleterious mutations normally present in CYP21P. The degree to which each mutation compromises enzymatic activity is strongly correlated with the clinical severity of the disease in patients carrying it. Prenatal diagnosis by direct mutation detection permits prenatal treatment of affected females to minimize genital virilization. Neonatal screening by hormonal methods identifies affected children before salt wasting crises develop, reducing mortality from this condition. Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement are the mainstays of treatment, but more rational dosing and additional therapies are being developed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Heves Kırmızıbekmez ◽  
Rahime Gül Yesiltepe Mutlu ◽  
Serdar Moralıoğlu ◽  
Ahmet Tellioğlu ◽  
Ayşenur Cerrah Celayir

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of inherited defects of cortisol biosynthesis. A case of classical CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) with early onset of salt waste and concurrence of meningomyelocele (MMC) was presented here. The management of salt-wasting crisis which is complicated by a postrenal dysfunction due to neurogenic bladder was described. Possible reasons of growth retardation in the one-year follow-up period were discussed. A significant regression of the phallus with proper medical treatment was also mentioned.


Author(s):  
Maria Laura Iezzi ◽  
Gaia Varriale ◽  
Luca Zagaroli ◽  
Stefania Lasorella ◽  
Marco Greco ◽  
...  

AbstractCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency represents a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired cortisol production due to altered upstream steroid conversions, subclassified as classic and nonclassic forms. The genotype–phenotype correlation is possible in the most frequent case but not in all. Despite in literature many mutations are known, there is the possibility of finding a new genetic pattern in patients with CAH.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 543-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Tankoska ◽  
Violeta Anastasovska ◽  
Marina Krstevska-Konstantinova ◽  
Michel Naydenov ◽  
Mirjana Kocova

Abstract Background Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder, present in 90–95% of all cases with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The classical simple virilizing (SV) form of the disease causes virilization of the external genitalia in newborn females and pseudo-precocious puberty in both sexes, due to reactive androgen overproduction. Case presentation We describe a 3.5-year-old girl presenting with pubarche, P2 according to Tanner, advanced bone age of 6 years and 10 months, and high serum levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). Molecular analysis of the nine most common pseudogene-derived CYP21A2 point mutations was performed in the patient and her family members using the polymerase chain reaction/amplification-created restriction site (PCR/ACRS) method. We detected the P30L/I172N genotype in the patient. She had inherited a mild P30L mutation from her mother and a severe I172N mutation from her father. Conclusions Although the CAH phenotype is determined by the allele that produces most of the enzyme activity and the mild non-classical (NC) phenotype should be expected, the mild P30L known to be more virilizing probably induced the classical SV phenotype in our patient. A continuous regimen of hydrocortisone at a recommended dose failed to decrease the 17-OHP sufficiently. Careful tapering of the dose did not help, and her pubic hair advanced to P3 according to Tanner. Individually tailored treatment is warranted in this patient.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Mayvel Espinosa Reyes ◽  
Teresa Collazo Mesa ◽  
Paulina Arasely Lantigua Cruz ◽  
Adriana Agramonte Machado ◽  
Emma Domínguez Alonso ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive group of diseases. 21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) accounts for between 95 and 99% of all CAH cases. Objectives To characterize the genotype of patients clinically diagnosed with 21OHD and to identify the most frequent mutations in the Cuban population. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study that included all patients diagnosed with 21OHD from January 2000 to December 2018. For the molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene, a protocol was used that used the polymerase chain reaction in 2 stages; in the first stage genomic DNA was amplified and 5 point mutations were detected in the second stage (Intron 2, Deletion of 8 bp, G318X, I172N and P30L). Results The 5 point mutations were identified in 31 of the 55 (56%) studied patients, 16/21 (76%) in the salt-wasting, 12/18 (67%) in the simple virilizing and 3/16 (19%) in the nonclassical form. The Intron 2 mutation was the most frequent, followed by G318X and 8 bp deletion. Compound heterozygotes were found in 10 patients, all corresponded to classic forms of the disease. Conclusions The causal CYP21A2 gene mutation was detected in 56% (72% in classic CAH), which makes the method encouraging. The most frequent mutations observed were Intron 2 and G318X. The detection of mutations offers confirmation of diagnosis, prediction of phenotype and genetic counseling.


Author(s):  
Pia Burman ◽  
Henrik Falhammar ◽  
Erik Waldenström ◽  
Anders Sundin ◽  
Ulrika Bitzén

Abstract Context Women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) may present with androgen excess that is difficult to control with conventional suppressive doses of glucocorticoids. Clinical management is challenging, and the woman is at great risk of developing steroid-induced complications. Patients and Methods A 32-year-old woman with salt-wasting CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency underwent right-sided adrenalectomy because of a large myelolipoma. Over the years, androgens became increasingly difficult to suppress on prednisolone 5 + 0 + 2.5 mg daily, and at age 39 years the left adrenal with an enlarging myelolipoma was removed. A month later serum testosterone levels had increased from 4.1 preoperatively to 18.3 nmol/L (reference 0.2-1.8 nmol/L), and adrenocorticotropin levels from 32 to 283 pmol/L (reference < 14 pmol/L). No adrenal parenchyma was visualized on computed tomography (CT). In the further search for the source of the markedly elevated testosterone, positron emission tomography (PET) was performed with 2 different tracers, 18fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) reflecting glucose metabolism and 11C-metomidate, an inhibitor of 11-β-hydroxylase targeting adrenocortical tissue. Results 18FDG-PET/CT with cosyntropin stimulation showed ovarian/paraovarian hypermetabolism, suggestive of adrenal rest tumors. Further characterization with 11C-metomidate PET/CT showed uptakes localized to the ovaries/adnexa, behind the spleen, and between the right crus diaphragmaticus and inferior vena cava. Conclusion Adrenal rest tumors can give rise to high androgen levels in spite of suppressive supraphysiological glucocorticoid doses. This case illustrates, for the first time, the value of 11C-metomidate PET as a sensitive method in documenting adrenal rest tumors, currently considered rare in women with CAH.


2005 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 2076-2080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine H. Johannsen ◽  
Delphine Mallet ◽  
Harriet Dige-Petersen ◽  
Jørn Müller ◽  
Katharina M. Main ◽  
...  

Abstract Classical 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) deficiency is a rare cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We report two sisters presenting with delayed diagnoses of classical 3β-HSD, despite salt wasting (SW) episodes in infancy. Sibling 1 was referred for premature pubarche, slight growth acceleration, and advanced bone age, whereas sibling 2 had no signs of virilization. At referral, increased 17α-hydroxyprogesterone associated with premature pubarche at first suggested a nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Sequencing of the CYP21 gene showed both girls only heterozygotes (V281L mutation). This result, combined with SW in infancy, suggested a 3β-HSD deficiency because of increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. Further hormonal studies showed markedly elevated Δ5-steroids, in particular 17α-hydroxypregnenolone greater than 100 nmol/liter (the clue to the diagnosis) and elevated Δ5-/Δ4-steroid ratios. Sequencing of the type II 3β-HSD gene documented that both girls were compound heterozygotes for T181I and 1105delA mutations. Retrospectively, elevated levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were found on blood spots from Guthrie’s test. There is no previous report of the combination of SW and premature pubarche due to mutations in the type II 3β-HSD gene. Because neonatal diagnosis could have prevented life-threatening crises in these girls, this report further supports the benefits for neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia whatever the etiology.


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