Unraveling a case of 46,XY DSD due to 17ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase type 3 mutations at the age of 49

Abstract

17-ß Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3) is an enzyme transforming Delta 4 androstenedione into testosterone. It is involved in the early development of the male genital tract. In this case report, we describe a 46,XY Difference of Sexual Development (DSD) individual with a female phenotype, primary amenorrhea, facial dysmorphia and mental retardation. Gene sequencing using a panel of genes involved in DSD revealed two heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the HSD17B3 enzyme. Furthermore, a microarray analysis revealed a 37Mb segmental 3p duplication and a recurrent 16p13.11 microduplication. The large 3p duplication is responsible for her mental retardation and her facial dysmorphia. Interestingly, HSD17B3 mutations were identified only in adulthood, at the age of 49. Furthermore, the patient's severe mental retardation and facial dysmorphia are due to genetic abnormalities different from the ones involved in her DSD.