Idiopathic central precocious puberty in a Klinefelter patient: highlights on gonadotropin levels and pathophysiology

Salwan Maqdasy,Celine Pebrel-Richard,Kelvin H M Kwok,Igor Tauveron,André Labbé,Marie Batisse-Lignier,Bertrand Barres,Gaelle Salaun,Florence Brugnon,Philippe Touraine

doi:10.1186/s12610-020-00117-1

Abstract

BackgroundIdiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) is supposed to be non-existent in a context of testicular destruction that is typically present in Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Herein, we describe a rare case of ICPP in a Klinefelter patient (47,XXY) with 2 maternal X chromosomes. Moreover, we highlight the differences in gonadotropin levels in comparison to males with ICPP and a normal karyotype.Case presentationAn 8 years old boy with a history of cryptorchidism was evaluated for precocious puberty (Tanner staging: P2/G3). Both testes measured 25x35mm. His hormonal profile confirmed a central origin of precocious puberty with high serum testosterone (4.3 ng/ml), luteinizing hormone [LH (3.5 UI/l)] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH (7.7 UI/l)] levels. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) test amplified LH and FSH secretion to 24 and 14 UI/l respectively. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal. No MKRN3 mutation was detected. He was treated for ICPP for two years. During puberty, he suffered from hypergonadotropic hypogonadism leading to the diagnosis of KS (47,XXY karyotype). Chromosomal analysis by fluorescent multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using X chromosome microsatellite markers identified 2 maternal X chromosomes.Analysing 8 cases of KS developing ICPP (our reported case and 7 other published cases) revealed that these KS patients with ICPP have higher LH and FSH levels during ICPP episode than in ICPP patients with a normal karyotype (ICPP with KS vs ICPP with a normal karyotype: LH levels 9.4 ± 12 vs 1.1 ± 0.6 UI/l; FSH levels 23.1 ± 38.5 vs 2.7 ± 1.5 UI/l). Furthermore, their response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation is characterized by excessive LH and FSH secretion (LH levels post-GnRH: 58 ± 48 vs 15.5 ± 0.8 UI/l; FSH levels post-GnRH: 49.1 ± 62.1 vs 5.7 ± 3.9 UI/l).ConclusionsICPP in boys is extremely rare. The pathophysiology of ICPP in KS is unknown. However, maternal X supplementary chromosome and early testicular destruction may play a significant role in the initiation of ICPP, in part explaining the relative “overrepresentation of ICPP in KS. Thus, karyotype analysis could be considered for boys suffering from ICPP, especially if testicular size is smaller or gonadotropins are significantly elevated.

Highlights

Une puberté précoce centrale idiopathique (PPCI) est. extrêmement rare chez le garçon
The study of patients with divergent problems such as Idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS) might improve the understanding of ICPP pathophysiology and point out factors that influence the timing of puberty initiation
We describe a case of ICPP in a boy who, a few years later, developed hypogonadism in his adulthood secondary to KS

Summary

Conclusions

ICPP patients with KS have higher gonadotropin levels than those with a normal karyotype. This suggests a peripheral or “testicular driver” that amplifies gonadotropin secretion through a positive feedback loop, which in turn triggers the initiation of central PP in such patients. Maternal supplementary X chromosome in KS might play a role in the timing of puberty initiation. In boys with ICPP, long term endocrinological follow up until definitive puberty and karyotype analysis are important, specially if gonadotropin levels are significantly elevated or testicular volume is reduced

Introduction

Discussion

Findings

Background