Cases Of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Research Articles

Landscape of congenital adrenal hyperplasia cases in adult endocrinology clinics of Türkiye-a nation-wide multicentre study.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of disorders that affect the production of steroids in the adrenal gland and are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. The clinical and biochemical manifestations of the disorder are diverse, ranging from varying degrees of anomalies of the external genitalia to life-threatening adrenal insufficiency. This multicenter study aimed to determine the demographics, biochemical, clinical, and genetic characteristics besides the current status of adult patients with CAH nationwide. The medical records of 223 patients with all forms of CAH were evaluated in the study, which included 19 adult endocrinology clinics. A form inquiring about demographical, etiological, and genetic (where available) data of all forms of CAH patients was filled out and returned by the centers. Among 223 cases 181 (81.16%) patients had 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), 27 (12.10%) had 11-beta-hydroxylase deficiency (110HD), 13 (5.82%) had 17-hydroxylase deficiency (17OHD) and 2 (0.89%) had 3-beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase deficiency. 21OHD was the most prevalent CAH form in our national series. There were 102 (56.4%) classical and 79 (43.6%) non-classical 210HD cases in our cohort. The age of the patients was 24.9 ± 6.1 (minimum-maximum: 17-44) for classical CAH patients and 30.2 ± 11.2 (minimum-maximum: 17-67). More patients in the nonclassical CAH group were married and had children. Reconstructive genital surgery was performed in 54 (78.3%) of classical CAH females and 42 (77.8%) of them had no children. Thirty-two (50.8%) NCAH cases had homogenous and 31 (49.2%) had heterogeneous CYP21A2 gene mutations. V281L pathological variation was the most prevalent mutation, it was detected in 35 (55.6%) of 21OHD NCAH patients. Our findings are compatible with the current literature except for the higher frequency of 110HD and 17OHD, which may be attributed to unidentified genetic causes. A new classification for CAH cases rather than classical and non-classical may be helpful as the disease exhibits a large clinical and biochemical continuum. Affected cases should be informed of the possible complications they may face. The study concludes that a better understanding of the clinical characteristics of patients with CAH can improve the management of the disorder in daily practice.

Analysis of the CYP21A2 gene pathogenic variants in CAH patients from Surgut using next-generation sequencing (NGS)

Background21-hydroxylase deficiency is present in 90–95% of cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Eleven major pathogenic variants account for 93% of all identified variants in the CYP21A2 gene in various clinical forms of the disease. Each population has its own range of significant pathogenic variants. We aimed to study the frequency of pathogenic variants in the CYP21A2 gene using NGS technology and real-time PCR in Surgut patients with different clinical forms of CAH. NGS was performed on 70 patients with salt-wasting and non-classical clinical forms of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, verified by direct Sanger sequencing and PCR–RFLP analysis.ResultsEleven different pathogenic variants were found in 68.57% (48/70) of patients. Among 92.86% (13/14) of patients with salt-wasting CAH, variants were found to be homozygous, with CYP21A2 gene deletion as the most frequent mutation (46.4% or 13/28 alleles). In the group with non-classical CAH, pathogenic variants were identified only in 60.71% (34/56) of patients. V282L was discovered to be the most common variant in heterozygous carriers (45.45%, 15/33). NGS method identified 2 variants that were not determined by the standard method for major mutations detection: p.C170* and p.W22X, accounting for 3% of all known pathogenic variants.ConclusionOur data make it possible to clarify the specific spectrum of CYP21A2 gene pathogenic variants in CAH patients from Surgut. The NGS method allows for the identification of rare pathogenic variants (3%) in the CYP21A2 gene that are not included in the conventional PCR–RFLP analysis.

Outcomes of one-stage feminizing genitoplasty in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and severe virilization

PurposeTo present our surgical experience and outcomes in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients with severe virilization using a combined technique of total urogenital mobilization (TUM) and a modified pull-through vaginoplasty to perform a safe and effective one-stage feminizing genital reconstruction for these children.MethodsFourteen CAH patients with severe virilization, defined by a Prader IV and V rating of the external genitalia, underwent TUM followed by a limited vaginal pull-through procedure from June 2016 to December 2020. Postoperative anatomical and cosmetic outcomes, and urinary continence, were evaluated.ResultsOut of the 14 cases in this study, 8 were classified as prader IV and 6 as Prader V. The median age at surgery was 11 months (range 6–36 months), and the mean urethral length was 1.4 cm (range 1.2–1.8 cm). The median follow-up period was 4 years. Our cosmetic outcomes were good in 11 (78.5%), satisfactory in 2, and poor in one case. All patients achieved age-appropriate toilet training without urinary incontinence.ConclusionAdopting our surgical approach of TUM with modified pull-through vaginoplasty has simplified feminizing surgical reconstruction in CAH cases with severe genital atypia and a very high vaginal confluence with short urethral length, yielding adequate introitus with good anatomical and cosmetic appearance and adequate urinary continence outcomes.

High carrier frequency of CYP21A2 gene mutations in Southern India - underscoring the need for genetic testing in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the highly prevalent autosomal recessive endocrine disorders. The majority of CAH cases result from mutations in the CYP21A2 gene, leading to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. However, with the pseudogene-associated challenges in CYP21A2 gene analysis, routine genetic diagnostics and carrier screening in CAH are not a part of the first-tier investigations in a clinical setting. Furthermore, there is a lack of data on the carrier frequency for 21-OH deficiency. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the carrier frequency of common pseudogene derived CYP21A2 mutations in Southern India. Recently, a cost-effective Allele-specific PCR based genotyping for CYP21A2 hotspot mutations has been demonstrated to be a highly specific and sensitive assay at the authors' center. Leveraging this approach, a total of 1034 healthy individuals from South India underwent screening to identify the carrier frequency of nine hotspot mutations in the CYP21A2 gene. In this study, it was observed that 9.76% of the subjects were carriers for one or more of the nine different CYP21A2 mutations. Among the carriers, the most common was the large 30 kb deletion, followed by II72N, E6 CLUS, and I2G mutations. We have identified a high prevalence of CYP21A2 mutation carriers in Southern India. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing and expanding cost-effective genetic diagnostics and carrier screening throughout India. Such initiatives would play a crucial role in managing the disease burden, enabling early intervention, and establishing guidelines for CAH newborn genetic screening in the country. This study represents the first carrier screening data on CYP21A2 hotspot mutations from India and is the largest study conducted till date in this context.

Non-classical 11β-hydroxylase deficiency caused by a novel heterozygous mutation: a case report and review of the literature.

11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD) constitutes a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), typically accounting for ~5-8% of CAH cases. Non-classical 11β-OHD is reported even more rarely and frequently results in misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis due to its mild clinical symptoms. A clinical, biochemical, radiological, and genetic study was conducted on a 9-year-old girl presenting with mild breast development, axillary hair growth, and advanced bone age. Additionally, a comprehensive review and synthesis of the literature concerning 11β-OHD were conducted. The patient presented with breast enlargement, axillary hair development, and accelerated growth over the past year. Laboratory tests revealed levels of cortisol, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and progesterone that were below normal. A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test suggested the possibility of central precocious puberty. Radiologic examination revealed a 2-year advance in bone age, while bilateral adrenal ultrasonography showed no abnormalities. Her mother exhibited hirsutism, while her father's physical examination revealed no abnormalities. Whole-exon genetic testing of the child and her parents indicated a heterozygous mutation of c.905_907delinsTT in exon 5 of the 11β-hydroxylase gene (CYP11B1) in the child and her mother. This mutation resulted in a substitution of aspartic acid with valine at amino acid position 302 of the coding protein. This frameshift resulted in a sequence of 23 amino acids, culminating in a premature stop codon (p.Asp302ValfsTer23). A review of the previous literature revealed that the majority of heterozygous mutations in 11β-OHD were missense mutations, occurring primarily in exons 2, 6, 7, and 8. The most common mutation among 11β-OHD patients was the change of Arg-448 to His (R448H) in CYP11B1. Furthermore, bioinformatics analyses revealed that heterozygous mutation of c.905_907delinsTT had deleterious effects on the function of CYP11B1 and affected the stability of the protein, presumably leading to a partial impairment of enzyme activity. The results of the in vitro functional study demonstrated that the missense mutant (p.Asp302ValfsTer23) exhibited partial enzymatic activity. We report a novel heterozygous mutation of CYP11B1 (c.905_907delinsTT), enriching the spectrum of genetic variants of CYP11B1. This finding provides a valuable case reference for early diagnosis of non-classical patients with 11β-OHD.

A case study of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare condition with a variety of symptoms. The most serious “salt losing” scenario is a medical emergency. A lack of 21 a-hydroxylase causes more than 90% of cases of CAH (21aOH). The adrenals produce excess sex hormones rather than cortisol. The vast majority of patients are unable to produce enough aldosterone. Girls are virilized, there is rapid somatic growth with the early epiphyseal fusion in both sexes, and there is even life-threatening hyponatremic dehydration. The following case report evaluates the clinical features, signs, and symptoms of CAH. A 1-day-old baby was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Department of Pediatrics, New Civil Hospital, Surat, for ambiguous genitalia. Various studies were conducted, and karyotyping suggestive of 46xx 17OH progesterone decreased. The sodium level was 114.64 mmol and the potassium level was 4.81 mmol on electrolyte analysis. CAH is an autosomal recessive disorder, in which 21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most common cause. In children, hydrocortisone is the preferred treatment.

Konjenital Adrenal Hiperplazili Hastalarda Final Boyun Değerlendirilmesi

Purpose : Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disease that occurs as a result of deficiency of any of the enzymes required for the synthesis of glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid and sex steroid from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex .In this study, we aimed to evaluate the final height in patients with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase and 11 Beta hydroxylase deficiency and to investigate the factors affecting it.
 Material-method: The anthropometric, clinical and laboratory findings of the patients who were diagnosed with CAH in the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 39 patients with CAH who had regular controls, who did not have precocious puberty and no additional disease during their follow-up, and who reached the final height were included in the study.
 Results: The final height was 158.2±5.46 cm in female cases and 168.8±11.67 cm in male cases with classic simple virilizing CAD due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency, and it was 152.2±5.94 cm in salt-wasting female cases and 156.5±6.2 cm in salt-wasting male cases. It was found to be 155.9±7.59 cm in non-classic female cases and 157 cm in 1 non-classic male case. The final height of all classic type CAH cases is SD - 1.41±1.45 SD, and it was calculated as -0.81±1.12 (-2,30 - 0,80) in cases with simple virilizing type classic CAH and -1.79±1.53 (-3.70 - 0.70) in cases with salt-wasting type classic CAD. In non-classic CAH cases, final height SD was calculated as -1.65±1.69 SD. When patients with salt-wasting CAH and simple virilizing CAH were compared in terms of final height SD and genetically adjusted height SD, the final heights of patients with simple virilizing CAH were significantly longer (p

Clinical profile and growth pattern of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia attending endocrine clinic, in a tertiary care center, South India

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders that result from the deficiency of one of several enzymes involved in the steroidogenic pathway for cortisol or aldosterone biosynthesis. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy, though largely effective in managing crises and limiting virilization, is far from perfect. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to study the clinical profile and association between type of disease and glucocorticoid dosage with the growth of children with CAH attending pediatric and endocrinology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study. All children who were newly diagnosed and old cases of CAH were consecutively recruited. Background details of the patient including sociodemographic data were obtained by a structured pro forma. Medical history and details of treatment were obtained from previous records. Patients were then followed up 6 monthly for 1 year and height and height velocity were obtained. Results: This study included 33 children (23 salt wasting [SW] and 10 simple virilizing [SV] CAH). Mean age was 6.3 ± 4.3 years. Among SW CAH, while 83.3% of male babies presented with adrenal crises while only 20% of the female babies went for a crisis, because most of them were diagnosed by the presence of ambiguous genitalia. Among SV patients, all females presented with ambiguous genitalia and males presented with precocious puberty. The overall height standard deviation was 0.8 ± 1.2 with a greater growth faltering in those taking higher doses of hydrocortisone. Growth was compromised more in SW CAH than in SV CAH. Conclusion: Growth in CAH is less compared to normal population and many factors including glucocorticoid dose and type of disease determine the growth and final height.

THU187 Genotype-Phenotype Correlation, Clinical Presentation And Feminizing Surgery In Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due To 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency: A Nationwide Multi-Center Study

Abstract Disclosure: M. Lind-Holst: None. A. Berglund: None. M. Duno: None. G. Hvistendahl: None. M. Fossum: None. A. Juul: None. N. Jørgensen: None. K.M. Main: None. C.H. Gravholt: None. D. Hansen: None. Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is a common autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in CYP21A2. Genotype cannot always predict severity and clinical consequences, and genotype-phenotype is only well correlated in the most severe clinical cases of CAH. Furthermore, non-classical CAH suffers from non-diagnosis, especially in males. Objective: Describe the genotype-phenotype correlation in Danish children with 21OHD and identify the most frequent pathogenic CYP21A2 variants. We describe the clinical manifestations at time of diagnosis and present data on virilization and feminizing surgery of females, stratified by genotype group during 20 years. Method: A national population-based study of all Danish children diagnosed with 21OHD, combining health registries and medical record data. We identified pathogenic variants in CYP21A2 and genotype-phenotype correlation. Clinical presentation at diagnosis and feminizing surgery in females was stratified by genotype group: Null, A, B, C and D, reflecting the preserved 21-hydroxylase activity in increasing order. Results: Variants frequency of 494 unique alleles: Deletion (31.8%) followed by I2G, Q318X, I172N, V281L, P30L, Cluster-E6, R356W and insT by 25.9%, 9.1%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 6.5%, 1.4%, 1.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Genotype-phenotype correlations: Null: 98%, A: 94%, B: 50%, C: 76%. Overall, 62 of the 159 children (67%) had evidence of pseudo-precocious puberty at time of diagnosis which was the most frequent group of symptoms in genotype group B: 8.2%, C: 23.3% and D: 3.8%. Bone age advancement was significantly more advanced at the time of diagnosis in males compared to females (p=0.0009). The most frequently reported symptom at diagnosis in the genotype group null (n=20) and A (n=31) were: clitoral hypertrophy in females: 62.7%, failure to thrive: 29% and salt-wasting crisis: 22%. Clitoral hypertrophy was also present in genotype group B, C and D and feminizing surgery was performed in 85% of prenatally virilized females and overall in 40% of females at a median age of 0.9 years [IQR 0.5-1.6]. Conclusion: Genotype groups only predict phenotype with high certainty in the null and A genotype groups. In a national cohort evidence of virilization in females and feminizing surgery were observed in every genotype group. Delayed or non-diagnosis in children with SV and NC CAH was substantial, especially in males. We suggest that children with even mild hyperandrogenic symptoms and normal biochemical markers for 21OHD may benefit from genetic testing for CAH to establish a diagnosis. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

SAT326 Massive Adrenomyelolipomas Due To Longstanding CAH

Abstract Disclosure: Q. Aziz: None. A. Champion: None. Introduction: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency in adrenal corticosteroid biosynthesis. 21 Hydroxylase Deficiency is common in 90-95% of CAH cases and have a defect in converting 17 OH Progesterone to 11 deoxycortisol. Therefore, they have an increase in ACTH secretion due to the decrease negative feedback drive along with excess adrenal androgens. Adrenal myelolipoma are common in patients with CAH and the tumors are benign and lipomatous. Clinical Case: Patient is a 47 year old female with past medical history of CAH presents to the clinic for evaluation of generalized fatigue and abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with CAH- 21 hydroxylase deficiency at birth and required vaginal reconstruction surgery. She was on hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone until age 18, but thereafter stopped taking medications or seeing physicians for nearly 30 years. CT abdomen/pelvis showed large bilateral adrenal myelolipomas, right adrenal gland measuring 23.2 cm and left adrenal gland measuring 20 cm. MRI confirmed enlarged adrenal glands. Initial labs included ACTH 299, 17-OH Progesterone >2000, 11 deoxycorticosterone 23.6, total testosterone 160, free testosterone 30.3, DHEA-S 192, Cortisol 2.8. She was started on fludrocortisone 50 mcg and Hydrocortisone 10 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the evening and was referred to an endocrine surgeon out of state, but surgery was not offered due to concerns of medication nonadherence. She returned to clinic 6 months after presentation, she admitted to missing multiple doses of her hydrocortisone. Repeat CT Abdomen and Pelvis showed severe compression of the IVC and right lobe of the liver along with mild compression of the kidneys and pancreas. To improve adherence, she was switched to prednisone, and eventually dexamethasone 0.75mg and fludrocortisone 100mcg. She complains of fatigue but improved abdominal pain. After a period of good adherence with medication administration, she was referred to a local surgical oncologist who agreed to do bilateral adrenalectomy due to mass effect. Conclusion: CAH is a challenging chronic disease with variable penetrance in phenotype, ranging from mild hirsutism to frank adrenal insufficiency. Massive adrenomyelolipomas are thought to be ACTH driven, especially seen in undertreated and longstanding CAH. Without the 21 hydroxylase enzyme to convert 17 OH Progesterone to 11 deoxycortisol, levels of ACTH rise. While these myelolipomas are benign and can generally be monitored, surgery should be considered if the size impairs function of surrounding organs. Bilateral adrenalectomy can also be considered in patients with CAH for refractory hypertension, hyperandrogenism and virilization, Cushing syndrome, infertility, or mass effect. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

FRI243 Hypertension And Virilization In A 4 Year Old Female

Abstract Disclosure: E. Ismail: None. J.L. Miller: None. A.V. Bernier: None. Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the most common cause of virilization of an XX female neonate. More than 95% of CAH cases are due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency which is detected in the newborn screen by detection of elevated 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17 OHP). 11 beta hydroxylase deficiency (11 BOHD) is the second most common cause of CAH, but considered extremely rare accounting for only 0.2-8% of cases. 11-BOHD is not part of the newborn screen, as it does not present with life-threatening salt wasting crisis. Hypertension (HTN) is observed in 2/3 of cases and is due to mineralocorticoid excess in the form of deoxycorticosterone (DOC). Therefore, 11-BOHD should be strongly considered in a virilized female with HTN and accelerated growth. Clinical case: 4-year-old female admitted for evaluation of severe persistent HTN. She had surgical repair of posterior labial fusion at 5 months of age. She was seen at 21 months of age for concerns of precocious puberty and virilization. Her work up included XX karyotype, 17 OHP and electrolytes within normal limits, however, she had an elevated DHEAS and testosterone level, with a bone age of 5 years at 21 months of age. Hypertension was recorded at the visit, but she was lost to follow up. At a primary care appointment her blood pressure was notably elevated, so she was sent to the ED. On admission, she was found to have both weight and height >99% for age, hyperpigmentation of gums and scars, and virilization (clitoromegaly with tanner 3 pubic hair). She had no thelarche. Initial hormonal evaluation revealed prepubertal gonadotropins, low aldosterone and low plasma renin activity. High dose ACTH stimulation test revealed elevated 11 deoxycortisol and 11 deoxycorticosterone levels. Her peak stimulated cortisol was inadequate at 8.7 mcg/dl (normal=>18 mcg/dl). Genetic testing for CAH revealed compound heterozygosity for 2 variants in the CYP11B1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of 11-BOHD. She was started on hydrocortisone replacement (12 mg/m2/day) and required spironolactone to achieve adequate blood pressure control. At the time of diagnosis, her father reported that he also had hypertension before 10 years of age, as well as early puberty, and significantly darker skin color than his family members. Conclusions: The HTN seen with 11-OHD is associated with suppressed aldosterone/renin activity and hypokalemia and is responsive to glucocorticoid therapy. However, this cause of CAH is not included in the newborn screen so can go unrecognized until features of virilization and rapid growth with bone age advancement are noted. If HTN is persistent despite glucocorticoid treatment, spironolactone is the preferred antihypertensive, as it is both a mineralocorticoid and androgen receptor antagonist. This case serves as a reminder to pay attention to BP at every clinic visit. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

The impact of neonatal 17-hydroxyprogesterone cutoff determination in a public newborn screening program for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Southern Brazil: 3 years' experience.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) occurs due to enzyme defects in adrenal steroidogenesis. The 21-hydroxylase deficiency accounts for 90-95% of cases, triggering accumulation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). Early diagnosis through neonatal screening allows adequate treatment and reduced mortality. The purpose of the study was to determine 17-OHP cutoffs for the diagnosis of CAH in a public newborn screening program in Southern Brazil. A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze 17-OHP levels in dried blood samples collected on filter paper of 317,745 newborns screened at a public newborn screening center from May 2014 to April 2017. Neonatal 17-OHP was measured in DBS samples using a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (GSP® kit 3305-0010; PerkinElmer). Different cutoffs were determined and stratified by birth weight. The incidence of CAH was 1:15,887 live births in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with 20 cases of classical CAH diagnosed during the study period. Most newborns (80.73%) were white, and the prematurity rate was 9.8% in the study population. The combination of different percentiles, 98.5th for birth weight 2001-2500 g and 99.8th for the other birth weight groups, decreased false-positive results and increased specificity compared with current reference values to identify classical CAH cases. The local 17-OHP cutoffs determined were higher than those currently used by this screening program for all birth weight groups. The calculation of reference values from local population data and the combination of percentiles proved to be a valuable tool for proper diagnosis of CAH and reduction in the number of false positives.

Long-term health consequences of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency accounts for 95% of all CAH cases and is one of the most common inborn metabolic conditions. The introduction of life-saving glucocorticoid replacement therapy 70 years ago has changed the perception of CAH from a paediatric disorder into a lifelong, chronic condition affecting patients of all age groups. Alongside health problems that can develop during the time of paediatric care, there is an emerging body of evidence suggesting an increased risk of developing co-morbidities during adult life in patients with CAH. The mechanisms that drive the negative long-term outcomes associated with CAH are complex and involve supraphysiological replacement therapies (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids), excess adrenal androgens both in the intrauterine and postnatal life, elevated steroid precursors and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. Alongside a review of mortality outcome, we discuss issues that need to be addressed when caring for the CAH patient including female and male fertility, cardio-metabolic morbidity, bone health and other important long-term outcomes of CAH.

When the history of the disease is the key to diagnosis: About a challenging case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Background: A 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency (17OHD) is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of disorders resulting from defect of one of enzymes necessary for biosynthesis of cortisol. Case: A 33-year-old female suffered from 17OHD. She presented with primary amenorrhea, lack of secondary sexual characteristics, and hypertension complicated by ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Laboratory tests showed hypokalemia, low levels of androgens (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone), corticosteroid, and high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and progesterone. The clinical manifestations, imaging and laboratory results appeared to be consistent with a diagnosis of CAH in the patient, due to the observed 17α‑hydroxylase deficiency. Conclusion: 17OHD is a rare disease associated with primary amenorrhea and hypertension. This case shows the importance of vital signs measurement, medical history and commitment to a systematic approach.

Diagnosis of 17-alpha hydroxylase deficiency performed late in life in a patient with a 46,XY karyotype.

17-Alpha-hydroxylase deficiency (17OHD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, representing 1% of cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A 44-year-old female presented to the emergency department complaining of generalized asthenia and polyarthralgia for about 2 weeks. On examination, she was hypertensive (174/100 mmHg), and laboratory results revealed hypokalemia and hypocortisolism. She had an uncharacteristic morphotype, BMI of 16.7 kg/m2, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, and Tanner stage M1P1, with normal female external genitalia. She reported to have primary amenorrhea. Further analytical evaluations of her hormone levels were performed CT scan revealed adrenal bilateral hyperplasia and absence of female internal genitalia. A nodular lesion was observed in the left inguinal canal with 25 × 10 mm, compatible with a testicular remnant. Genetic analysis identified the c.3G>A p.(Met1?) variant in homozygosity in the CYP17A1 gene, classified as pathogenic, confirming the diagnosis of 17OHD. Karyotype analysis was compatible with 46,XY. The association of severe hypokalemia, hypertension, hypocortisolism, and oligo/amenorrhea and the absence of secondary sexual characteristics favored the diagnosis of 17OHD, confirmed by genetic testing. As in other published clinical cases, diagnosis outside pediatric age is not rare and should be considered when severe hypokalemia occurs in hypertensive adults with a lack of secondary sexual characteristics. The association of severe hypokalemia, hypertension, hypocortisolism, and oligo/amenorrhea and the absence of secondary sexual characteristics favor the diagnosis of 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency (17OHD). Diagnosis outside pediatric age is not rare. 17OHD should be considered when severe hypokalemia occurs in hypertensive adults with a lack of secondary sexual characteristics.

Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Clinical case

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disease emerging from mutations of genes for enzymes that lead to the biochemical shifts in the production of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, or sex steroids from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. Universal newborn screening for CAH is recommended for early diagnosis and initiation of therapy. The development of CAH is due to a defect in the CYP21 gene, which encodes 21-hydroxylase enzyme involved in the synthesis of cortisol. This leads to an increase in the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone and the accumulation of cortisol precursors, which are converted into adrenal androgens— the classical form of the disease develops. With a point mutation of the CYP21 gene, an incomplete defect occurs in 21-hydroxylase, which leads to an unpronounced disorder of adrenal steroidogenesis— a non-classical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which happens more often. In this form, the clinical symptoms are erased with moderate hirsutism, acne vulgaris, infertility. In comparison to the classical form of the disease, which is diagnosed at birth or during the neonatal period because of ambiguous genitalia and/or salt-wasting symptoms or through screening programs used in some countries, most cases of non-classical CAH are not easy to detect. Additionally, many individuals remain asymptomatic during childhood and adolescence, have normal reproductive function, and only become aware of non-classical CAH due to the diagnosis of another family member and consequent testing. However, most women with non-classical CAH seek medical assistance when they experience symptoms of androgen excess and, when clinical suspicion prompts testing, elevated basal 17-OH progesterone levels may primarily point to the diagnosis of non-classical CAH. A case of a non-classical form of the disease which manifested itself in infertility is given. Pregnancy occurred after 4 months treatment with prednisolone (5 mg/day).

Co-Occurrence of a Pathogenic HSD3B2 Variant and a Duplication on 10q22.3-q23.2 Detected in Newborn Twins with Salt-Wasting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by enzyme deficiencies required for cortisol biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex. The majority of CAH are due to the deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme, while 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency accounts for less than five percent of all CAH cases. We report two Moroccan twins from a spontaneous triplet pregnancy. The 46,XY newborn exhibited a disorder of sexual differentiation (DSD) with hypo virilization, while the 46,XX newborn had normal female external genitalia. In the first week of life, they showed hyponatremia and primary adrenal insufficiency with a slight 17OHP elevation and increased DHEAS and renin levels. The aCGH-SNP analysis disclosed a 8.36 Mb long contiguous stretch of homozygosity (LCSH) on chromosome 1p13.2-p11.2 including the candidate HSD3B2 gene, a LCSH of 7.3 Mb on 14q31.1-q32.11, and a 7 Mb duplication on 10q22.3-q23.2. Clinical exome sequencing revealed the biallelic c.969T > G (p.Asn323Lys) HSD3B2, likely pathogenic, variant in both of the affected twins. This case emphasizes the importance of a prompt molecular diagnosis performed through the combination of aCGH and clinical exome, both for establishment of correct therapy and for follow-up, as the newborns also carry a genomic rearrangement with possible clinical implications.

Salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia phenotype as a result of the TNXA/TNXB chimera 1 (CAH-X CH-1) and the pathogenic IVS2-13A/C > G in CYP21A2 gene

BackgroundGenetic diversity of mutations in the CYP21A2 gene is the main cause of the monogenic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) disorder. On chromosome 6p21.3, the CYP21A2 gene is partially overlapped by the TNXB gene, the two residing in tandem with their highly homologous corresponding pseudogenes (CYP21A1P and TNXA), which leads to recurrent homologous recombination.Methods and resultsIn the present study, the genetic status of an ethnic Greek-Cypriot family, with a female neonate that was originally classified as male and manifested the salt-wasting (SW) form, is presented. Genetic defects in the CYP21A2 and TNXB genes were investigated by Sanger sequencing multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and a real-time PCR assay. The neonate carried in compound heterozygosity the TNXA/TNXB chimeric gene complex (termed CAH-X CH-1) that results in a contiguous CYP21A2 and TNXB deletion and in her second allele the pathogenic IVS2-13A/C > G (c.655A/C > G) in CYP21A2.ConclusionsThe classic SW-CAH due to 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) deficiency may result from various complex etiological mechanisms and, as such, can involve the formation of monoallelic TNXA/TNXB chimeras found in trans with other CYP21A2 pathogenic variants. This is a rare case of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which elucidates the role of the complex RCCX CNV structure in the development of the disease. Identification of the correct CAH genotypes for a given phenotype is of considerable value in assisting clinicians in prenatal diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and genetic counseling.

Variant predictions in congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by mutations in CYP21A2.

CYP21A2 deficiency represents 95% of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) cases, a group of genetic disorders that affect steroid biosynthesis. The genetic and functional analysis provide critical tools to elucidate complex CAH cases. One of the most accessible tools to infer the pathogenicity of new variants is in silico prediction. Here, we analyzed the performance of in silico prediction tools to categorize missense single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of CYP21A2. SNVs of CYP21A2 characterized in vitro by functional assays were selected to assess the performance of online single and meta predictors. SNVs were tested separately or in combination with the related phenotype (severe or mild CAH form). In total, 103 SNVs of CYP21A2 (90 pathogenic and 13 neutral) were used to test the performance of 13 single-predictors and four meta-predictors. All SNVs associated with the severe phenotypes were well categorized by all tools, with an accuracy of between 0.69 (PredictSNP2) and 0.97 (CADD), and Matthews’ correlation coefficient (MCC) between 0.49 (PoredicSNP2) and 0.90 (CADD). However, SNVs related to the mild phenotype had more variation, with the accuracy between 0.47 (S3Ds&GO and MAPP) and 0.88 (CADD), and MCC between 0.18 (MAPP) and 0.71 (CADD). From our analysis, we identified four predictors of CYP21A2 variant pathogenicity with good performance, CADD, ConSurf, DANN, and PolyPhen2. These results can be used for future analysis to infer the impact of uncharacterized SNVs in CYP21A2.

History of Adrenal Research: From Ancient Anatomy to Contemporary Molecular Biology.

The adrenal is a small, anatomically unimposing structure that escaped scientific notice until 1564 and whose existence was doubted by many until the 18th century. Adrenal functions were inferred from the adrenal insufficiency syndrome described by Addison and from the obesity and virilization that accompanied many adrenal malignancies, but early physiologists sometimes confused the roles of the cortex and medulla. Medullary epinephrine was the first hormone to be isolated (in 1901), and numerous cortical steroids were isolated between 1930 and 1949. The treatment of arthritis, Addison's disease, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with cortisone in the 1950s revolutionized clinical endocrinology and steroid research. Cases of CAH had been reported in the 19th century, but a defect in 21-hydroxylation in CAH was not identified until 1957. Other forms of CAH, including deficiencies of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 11β-hydroxylase, and 17α-hydroxylase were defined hormonally in the 1960s. Cytochrome P450 enzymes were described in 1962-1964, and steroid 21-hydroxylation was the first biosynthetic activity associated with a P450. Understanding of the genetic and biochemical bases of these disorders advanced rapidly from 1984 to 2004. The cloning of genes for steroidogenic enzymes and related factors revealed many mutations causing known diseases and facilitated the discovery of new disorders. Genetics and cell biology have replaced steroid chemistry as the key disciplines for understanding and teaching steroidogenesis and its disorders.