Case Of Klinefelter's Syndrome Research Articles

Klinefelter Syndrome: A Genetic Disorder Leading to Neuroendocrine Modifications and Psychopathological Vulnerabilities in Children-A Literature Review and Case Report.

Klinefelter syndrome (KS), characterized by an additional X-chromosome in males, manifests in a wide range of neuroendocrine and psychiatric symptoms. Individuals with KS often face increased risks of hormonal dysfunction, leading to depression and anxiety, although extended research during pediatric and adolescent age is still limited. This critical phase, decisive for KS children, is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental and familial factors, which impact brain plasticity. In this report, we reviewed, in a narrative form, the crucial KS psychopathological hallmarks in children. To better describe neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric outcomes in children with KS, we presented the case of an 11-year-old prepubertal child with mosaic KS who was referred to our Center of Developmental Psychopathology due to a decline in his academic performance, excessive daytime fatigue and increased distractibility over the past few months. Family history revealed psychiatric conditions among first- and second-degree relatives, including recently divorced parents and a 15-year-old sister. Early-onset persistent depressive disorder and anxious traits were diagnosed. Timely identification of susceptible children, with thorough examination of familial psychiatric history, environmental influences and neurocognitive profile, alongside targeted interventions, could potentially mitigate lifelong psychopathology-related disabilities in pediatric and adolescent KS cases, including those with mosaic KS.

Klinefelter syndrome: a case report

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a genetic disease associated with the presence of an extra X-chromosome in the karyotype of men. The most common karyotype is 47XXY, however, other genetic variants are also possible, as well as mosaic forms.The clinical picture is most often represented by bilateral gynecomastia, decreased in the volume testicles and infertility (azoospermia). Laboratory revealed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Testosterone replacement therapy is used to ensure virilization and the proper quality of life. Assisted reproductive technologies with preliminary hormonal preparation are used to restore fertility.This article presents a clinical case of KS and considers options for realization of reproductive plans in the case of non-obstructive azoospermia.

Combined Alport syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome and Fanconi syndrome in a Chinese boy.

Alport syndrome (AS) is a progressive renal disease characterized by hematuria and progressive renal failure. X-linked dominant (XLAS) is the major inheritance form, accounting for almost 80% of the cases, caused by mutations in COL4A5 genes. Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic cause of human male gonadal dysgenesis. AS and KS are both rare disease, there are only three cases of combined AS and KS in the literatures. Fanconi syndrome (FS) caused by AS is also very rare. We report here the first case combined AS, KS and FS in a Chinese boy. We suggest that the severe renal phenotype and FS might be due to the two homozygous COL4A5 variants in our boy, and cases of AS combined KS will be good research objects for X chromosome inactivation.

Abstract 2497: Inherited copy number variants that increase risk of developing pediatric germ cell tumors with a particular focus on the X chromosome

Abstract Pediatric malignant germ cell tumors (GCTs) are heterogeneous but are grouped together due to the presumed common cell of origin, the primordial germ cell (PGC). Little is known about etiology; however, evidence supporting in utero origins of pediatric and adult GCT suggests that disruptions in normal germ cell development are likely to be highly relevant. Germline copy number variants (CNVs) are a plausible source of inherited genetic variation and have not been thoroughly evaluated to date. CNVs on the X chromosome are of particular interest because individuals with both Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) and Turner syndrome (45, X) are at increased risk of pediatric GCT, suggesting that alterations in X chromosome dosage contribute to etiology. A family study of adult testicular cancer where at least one member had bilateral cancer identified a significant linkage peak at Xq27 (hLOD=4.7). In addition, somatic copy number gains of chromosome X are frequently seen in adult testicular germ cell tumors. Given these findings in adult GCT, similar aberrations may also be relevant risk factors for the pediatric group. Pediatric GCT samples were obtained from a Children’s Oncology Group study and state biobank programs in Michigan and California. Genotyping array data were generated using the Illumina HumanCoreExome Beadchip (Illumina, San Diego). CNV calls were made for 2,002 GCT cases and 1,402 controls with high quality intensity data using Genvisis, which has specialized algorithms to make CNV calls on the X chromosome. Klinefelter syndrome cases (n=27) were excluded from the analyses. No study sample had classic Turner syndrome; however, one female case had a giant 51Mb deletion of Xq. Analyses were performed for females-only, males-only, and everyone together. We identified two regions that are study-wide significant on chromosome X at Xq27.1 and Xp11.2 and one nominally significant near Xq28. The most significant finding was identified in females-only and is located within a region that encodes genes within the SPANX family. Evidence suggests these genes affect germ cells; however, supporting data is reported in spermatozoa rather than oocytes. The events in our study were large (240kb), had similar breakpoints, and appear to be flanked by repetitive DNA that might lead to recurrent events at the same region. The variant was present in the control samples within gnomAD at a low allele frequency (0.18%). In our study, both deletions and duplications were noted: 11 female cases (1 or 2 expected based on gnomAD allele frequencies) and 0 female controls (0-1 expected). The finding was not replicated in males (6 male cases and 5 male controls harbored similar CNVs). We are in the process of validating these in silico and potentially via quantitative PCR. Findings may shed light on disruptions in normal development that may increase risk of GCT. Citation Format: Shannon S. Cigan, John J. Meredith, John Zaharick, Erica Langer, Anthony J. Hooten, John A. Lane, Nathan Pankratz, Jenny N. Poynter. Inherited copy number variants that increase risk of developing pediatric germ cell tumors with a particular focus on the X chromosome [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2497.

Re-Envisioning the History of Cellular and Molecular Biology

Re-Envisioning the History of Cellular and Molecular Biology

A dynamic approach to gynaecomastia

Introduction: Gynaecomastia is characterized by enlargement of the male breast, caused by glandular proliferation and fat deposition. Although a fairly common presentation in the primary care setting and is mostly of benign etiology, it can cause patient considerable anxiety. Sometimes it could be due to serious underlying illness or a medication or inherited. Breast cancer risk is slightly higher in males with gynaecomastia. Aim: To determine the prevalence, pathophysiology, etiology and therapy of gynaecomastia. A stepwise approach that includes imaging and laboratory testing to exclude neoplasms and endocrinopathies. Materials and Methods: A one year prospective study of twenty four gynaecomastia cases was done. A detailed clinical history taken and physical examination was done. Laboratory investigations like hepatic, renal and thyroid function tests, hormonal levels like serum estradiol, testosterone, follicular stimulating & luteinizing hormone levels, prolactin, human chorionic gonadotropin and dehydroepiandrosterone levels were done. Other investigating aids like MRI and ultrasonography, mammography, cytogenetics were useful in some of them. However, histopathology proved to be gold standard. Results: We had twenty four cases of gynaecomastia of which there were one case of Klinefelter syndrome, five cases each of idiopathic gynaecomastia, two case each of true hermaphroditism, one case each of androgen insensitivity syndrome, Ehlers danlos syndrome, cirrhosis, drug induced, renal failure, hyperthyroidism, testicular torsion, androgen insensitivity syndrome, choriocarcinoma, pituitary adenoma, adrenal neoplasm and Leydig cell tumour. Six cases were those of physiological gynaecomastia. Conclusions: Gynaecomastia is a common condition that may be attributable to an oestrogen /androgen imbalance caused by several etiological factors. After confirming the diagnosis, searching for a specific cause and classifying the case according to severity grade, the therapy

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

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.

Hypogonadism: Is It Always Hypogonadotropic in an Adolescent With a Cleft Palate? A Surprising Case of Klinefelter Syndrome.

Pituitary hormone deficiencies may occur in children with midline defects; in these cases, hypogonadism is usually hypogonadotropic. Herein, we report a boy at the age of 13.8 years with mild mental retardation, previously operated for complete cleft palate (isolated) and presented with hypoglycemia due to isolated secondary adrenal insufficiency, who further had a decrease in testicular size with increased follicle-stimulating hormone level (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism) and diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter syndrome in childhood is rarely diagnosed and cases are observed in a wide spectrum. Although some regional duplications of the X chromosome also show midline defects such as spina bifida-neural tube defects, mental retardation, hypopituitarism (mostly growth hormone deficiency); coexistence of Klinefelter syndrome and isolated secondary adrenal deficiency/midline defect in our case may also be coincidental. However, to our knowledge, this is the first case in literature with this association in a patient with a 47, XXY karyotype.

Derivation of two naturally isogenic iPSC lines (KAUSTi006-A and KAUSTi006-B) from a mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome patient (47-XXY/46-XY).

While Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) has a prevalence of 85-250 per 100,000 born males, patients are typically underdiagnosed due to a subtle phenotype emerging only late during puberty or adulthood. Rare cases of KS carry a mosaic phenotype 47-XXY/46-XY associated to mild phenotypic traits mostly compatible with a normal life including preserved fertility. From a genetic modeling perspective, the derivation of naturally isogenic iPSCs from mosaic patients allows the comparison of disease and healthy cells carrying a virtually identical genomic background.

Array-CGH revealed gain of Yp11.2 in 49,XXXXY and gain of Xp22.33 in 48,XXYY karyotypes of two rare klinefelter variants.

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) variants often share common features with classical syndrome but some of these variants present with a distinct phenotype. The incidence of sex chromosome tetrasomy and pentasomy are very less and generally diagnosed after prepubertal age. The early diagnosis of complex and unclassified syndromes and it's correlation with genotype is necessary for personalized treatment as well as genetic counselling of the affected families. We describe clinical presentation, and genetic diagnosis of two cases of variant KS. Our first case, a 4 year old male child presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCSs), delayed milestones and dysmorphic features while case 2, a-21 years old male who had history of seizures and delayed puberty came to our lab for genetic diagnosis. The chromosomal analysis of case 1 and 2 showed 49,XXXXY and 48,XXYY karyotype respectively. The karyotype results were confirmed with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and array-CGH analysis. The FISH results were found to be consistent with karyotype but the array-CGH results showed the extra gain of region Yp11.2 in case 1 while the extra gain of region Xp22.33 in case 2. The cases were confirmed as variant KS on the basis of additional sex chromosomes and clinical presentation of deteriorated brain development. The present study suggests that the high doses of sex chromosome linked genes including pseudoautosomal region (PAR) caused the abnormal brain development. The combination of molecular techniques should be utilized for the diagnosis of such complex cases to understand the genotype-phenotype correlation and appropriate genetic counseling.

Disorders of Sex Development: A 5-year Review of Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background. Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) are conditions that arise from an abnormality of the typical structural, chromosomal and/or gonadal characteristics of sex development. The incidence of DSD is not well established in the Philippines and there is no published local data. The complex nature of DSD requires streamlined multidisciplinary team management and guidelines from the 2006 Consensus meeting have become the standard of care for patients.Objective. The study describes the phenotype, biochemical, diagnostic and management profiles of patients with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) excluding congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) at the Philippine General Hospital, a tertiary care medical facility.Methods. Medical records of patients with DSD seen at the Division of Clinical Genetics from 2012-2016 were reviewed. Histories, demographic profiles, clinical features, co-existing health conditions, laboratory, imaging results, and interventions (medical or surgical) were recorded into a clinical report form.Results. Fifty-five (55) patient charts were included of all the patients with DSD listed in the registry. The neonatal period was the most common time DSD was first noted (69.09%). Most (58.18%) were assigned the male sex. The most common genital anomalies were hypospadias (45.45%), cryptorchidism (21.82%), and micropenis (12.73%). Associated health conditions included multiple congenital anomalies (32.73%), genitourinary with or without gastrointestinal anomalies (16.36%) and dysmorphic features (12.73%). Among 28patients with karyotypes, there were 12 patients with sex chromosome DSD; two 46, XX DSD and fourteen 46, XY DSD. Four patients were prescribed hydrocortisone, three of whom had higher levels of 17-OH progesterone beyond cut-off level (2 preterm, 1 full term) while 1 full term presented with genital ambiguity; one case of Klinefelter syndrome was given testosterone replacement. Ten patients underwent corrective surgery for urogenital anomalies. Repair of hypospadias was the most common procedure. Repairs of associated anomalies (neurologic, cardiac, gastrointestinal, genitourinary) were done in 6 patients.Conclusion. Complete history, meticulous physical examination and comprehensive investigations are important for the confirmation of DSDs. Uniform classification, use of standardized terminology, and proper documentation of findings are crucial for the integrated and appropriate management of these patients.

Gene Copy Number Quantification of SHOX, VAMP7, and SRY for the Detection of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies in Neonates.

Aims: To explore the feasibility of detecting sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) by means of gene copy number quantification of short stature homeobox (SHOX), vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7), and SRY in newborns. Materials and Methods: Gene doses of SHOX, VAMP7, and SRY were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using DNA obtained from dried blood samples from newborns. Relative quantification values were obtained. An aneuploidy profile was established according to cutoff values. Samples with ≥2 gene doses (out of range) were reanalyzed, and those with aneuploidy profiles were confirmed by karyotyping. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were obtained. Results: A total of 10,033 samples were collected (4945 females and 5088 males). Of 244 (2.43%) samples with ≥2 gene doses that were retested, 20 cases were confirmed. The overall incidence of SCAs was 1 in 500 live newborns. There were six cases of Turner syndrome (1/824), 3 cases of XXX (1/1648), 7 cases of Klinefelter syndrome (1/726), and 4 cases of of XYY (1/1272). The sensitivity was 0.952 (95.42%); the specificity was 0.975 (97.56%); the positive predictive value was 0.909 (90.91%) and the negative predictive value was 0.987 (98.77%). Conclusions: Gene copy number analyses of the VAMP7, SHOX, and SRY genes by qPCR from blood samples spotted onto filter paper is a highly reliable method for the early detection of male and female SCAs.

Endocrine and Cytogenetic Profile of Variations in Genital Development: Series of 9 Cases at the Mali Hospital

We carried out a retrospective and descriptive study in the Medicine and Endocrinology service of the Mali Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018. Nine cases of anomalies in sexual differentiation were referred for pubertal delay, growth retardation, gynecomastia, micropenis or infertility. Outcomes: The average age was 14 years; 5 patients were declared female at birth; 2 were married without children; 7 patients came from the region of Kayes; 8 patients consulted for pubertal delay; 1 patient presented with association of a blind vagina and 2 bilateral inguinal gonads. 3 of 4 patients declared male at birth had a micropenis; 2 patients had gynecomastia with a history of hypospadias. Ultrasound and biological data showed a clinical-hormonal picture of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in 6 patients, 1 case of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with hypercorticism and 2 cases with normal gonadotropic axis; two cases of azoospermia. Karyotypic analysis showed: 3 cases of SK, 2 cases of Klinefelter Syndrome, 2 cases of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and 2 cases of male 46 XX syndrome including one with sry negative. Conclusion: The precise diagnosis of anomalies in sexual differentiation remains complicated in Mali, due to the inadequacy of the technical platform. Diagnosis must be made at an early stage to allow normal growth, puberty and satisfactory fertility. Taking charge of the medical treatment possibly associated with plastic surgery could give good results.

Sperm recovery and ICSI outcomes in men with non-obstructive azoospermia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Factor affecting sperm retrieval rate (SRR) or pregnancy rates (PR) after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) have not been systematically evaluated. In addition, although micro-TESE (mTESE) has been advocated as the gold standard for sperm retrieval in men with NOA, its superiority over conventional TESE (cTESE) remains conflicting. The objective was to perform a meta-analysis of the currently available studies comparing the techniques of sperm retrieval and to identify clinical and biochemical factors predicting SRR in men with NOA. In addition, PRs and live birth rates (LBRs), as derived from subjects with NOA post-ICSI, were also analysed as secondary outcomes. An extensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed. All trials reporting SRR derived from cTESE or mTESE in patients with NOA and their specific determinants were included. Data derived from genetic causes of NOA or testicular sperm aspiration were excluded. Out of 1236 studies, 117 studies met the inclusion criteria for this study, enrolling 21 404 patients with a mean age (± SD) of 35.0 ± 2.7years. cTESE and mTESE were used in 56 and 43 studies, respectively. In addition, 10 studies used a mixed approach and 8 studies compared cTESE with mTESE approach. Overall, a SRR per TESE procedure of 47[45;49]% (mean percentage [95% CI]) was found. No differences were observed when mTESE was compared to cTESE (46[43;49]% for cTESE versus 46[42;49]% for mTESE). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that SRR per cycle was independent of age and hormonal parameters at enrolment. However, the SRR increased as a function of testis volume. In particular, by applying ROC curve analysis, a mean testis volume higher than 12.5ml predicted SRR >60% with an accuracy of 86.2% ± 0.01. In addition, SRR decreased as a function of the number of Klinefelter's syndrome cases included (S = -0.02[-0.04;-0.01]; P < 0.01. I = 0.12[-0.05;0.29]; P = 0.16). Information on fertility outcomes after ICSI was available in 42 studies. Overall, a total of 1096 biochemical pregnancies were reported (cumulative PR = 29[25;32]% per ICSI cycle). A similar rate was observed when LBR was analysed (569 live births with a cumulative LBR = 24[20;28]% per ICSI cycle). No influence of male and female age, mean testis volume or hormonal parameters on both PR and LBR per ICSI cycle was observed. Finally, a higher PR per ICSI cycle was observed when the use of fresh sperm was compared to cryopreserved sperm (PR = 35[30;40]%, versus 20[13;29]% respectively): however, this result was not confirmed when cumulative LBR per ICSI cycle was analysed (LBR = 30[20;41]% for fresh versus 20[12;31]% for cryopreserved sperm). This analysis shows that cTESE/mTESE in subjects with NOA results in SRRs of up to 50%, with no differences when cTESE was compared to mTESE. Retrieved sperms resulted in a LBR of up to 28% ICSI cycle. Although no difference between techniques was found, to conclusively clarify if one technique is superior to the other, there is a need for a sufficiently powered and well-designed randomized controlled trial to compare mTESE to cTESE in men with NOA.

SUN-208 Rare Case of 47XXY/46XX Mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome

Introduction: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common X chromosome abnormality and genetic cause of male infertility. Nondisjunction of paired X chromosomes during meiosis or gametogenesis gives rise to the karyotype 47XXY seen in 80 % of cases. The most common form of mosaicism results from post-fertilization nondisjunction of the XXY zygote in two cell lines 47XXY/46XY in 15-20 % of KS. The 47XXY/46XX mosaic form is very rare with only 20-25 cases described in the literature to date. Phenotype varies with distribution of the two cell lineages in developing embryo tissues, including KS male, true hermaphroditism, ovarian hypoplasia and normal female. Only 10 cases have been reported of 47XXY/46XX mosaic KS male phenotype . Our case is the 11th. Case: A 39 year old male presented with fatigue, weight gain, poor concentration and loss of libido. He reported no secondary sexual development during puberty, including hair, muscle mass, penis and testicles, and minimal erections. On exam, both testes were less than 2 cm with a normal penis. He had abdominal obesity, reduced muscle mass, and gynecomastia, as well as male pattern frontal baldness. Total testosterone (T) was 125 ng/dl (250-1100), Free T was 16 ng/dl (46-224), albumin was 3.9, FSH was 25 mIU/ml, and LH was 15.9 mIU/ml. Chromosome analysis: 25/30 (83%) cells 47XXY and 5/30 (17 %) cells 46XX. FISH study on 100 peripheral blood cells showed 87 % 47XXY and 14 % 46XX. The patient did not desire fertility and started testosterone replacement. Conclusion: Our case demonstrated the common features of 47XXY/46XX mosaic KS, including small testes, gynecomastia, hypergondotropic hypogonadism, and normal IQ. Interestingly, our patient had male pattern baldness, which was also common in his family. The average age of diagnosis for cases reported to date was 12-62 years, similar to ours, suggesting a delay in diagnosis, as can occur in many KS cases. Distribution of cell lines can vary between different tissues, but the presence of a Y chromosome in the gonad determines the phenotype. Mediastinal germ cell tumor, testicular teratoma, and radioulnar synostosis have been noted in 3 cases but not in this case. Mosaic cases tend to be more androgenic, and are more likely to have spermatogenesis than non-mosaic KS. This along with the failure to detect the 46XX cell line in routine blood cytogenetic tests (as opposed to gonadal tissue) is the reason for delayed detection in many cases. KS mosaicism should be considered in all cases of male infertility.

Abstract #525 A Case of Klinefelter Syndrome: Separating Signal from the Noise

Abstract #525 A Case of Klinefelter Syndrome: Separating Signal from the Noise

A Case of Klinefelter Syndrome with Refractory Seizure in Infant

클라인펠터 증후군은 다양한 임상양상을 나타내는 유전질환으로 알려져 있다. 그 중 드물게 경련과 같은 신경학적 증상을 동반하는 경우가 보고되고 있으며 보통 1세 이후의 연령에서 발병하며 항경련제에 반응이 좋은 것으로 알려져 있다. 5개월 남아가 얼굴 찡그림과 딸꾹질을 주소로 내원하였다. 환아는 출생 시 시행한 검사에서 클라인펠터 증후군으로 진단된 병력이...

A rare variety of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with mosaic Klinefelter syndrome: a unique combination presenting with ambiguous genitalia and sexual precocity

SummaryCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to the three-beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) enzyme deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder presenting with sexual precocity in a phenotypic male. Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy presenting with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in a male. However, only a handful of cases of mosaic KS have been described in the literature. The co-existence of mosaic KS with CAH due to 3β-HSD enzyme deficiency portrays a unique diagnostic paradox where features of gonadal androgen deficiency are masked by simultaneous adrenal androgen excess. Here, we report a 7-year-old phenotypic male boy who, at birth presented with ambiguous genitalia, probably a microphallus with penoscrotal hypospadias. Later on, he developed accelerated growth with advanced bone age, premature pubarche, phallic enlargement and hyperpigmentation. Biochemically, the patient was proven to have CAH due to 3β-HSD deficiency. However, the co-existence of bilateral cryptorchidism made us to consider the possibility of hypogonadism as well, and it was further explained by concurrent existence of mosaic KS (47,XXY/46,XX). He was started on glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement and underwent right-sided orchidopexy on a later date. He showed significant clinical and biochemical improvement on subsequent follow-up. However, the declining value of serum testosterone was accompanied by rising level of FSH thereby unmasking hypergonadotropic hypogonadism due to mosaic KS. In future, we are planning to place him on androgen replacement as well.Learning points:Ambiguous genitalia with subsequent development of sexual precocity in a phenotypic male points towards some unusual varieties of CAH.High level of serum testosterone, adrenal androgen, plasma ACTH and low basal cortisol are proof of CAH, whereas elevated level of 17-OH pregnenolone is biochemical marker of 3β-HSD enzyme deficiency.Final diagnosis can be obtained with sequencing of HSD3B2 gene showing various mutations.Presence of bilateral cryptorchidism in such a patient may be due to underlying hypogonadism.Karyotyping in such patient may rarely show mosaic KS (47,XXY/46,XX) and there might be unmasking of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism resulting from adrenal androgen suppression from glucocorticoid treatment.

Klinefelter syndrome in males with germ cell tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Males with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) may be more likely to develop germ cell tumors (GCTs), particularly mediastinal GCTs. To date, there are no reports characterizing the prevalence of KS among male GCT cases. The authors used array genotyping data from a Children's Oncology Group epidemiology study to estimate the prevalence of KS in males with GCTs (433 males aged birth-19 years). Using Fisher's exact tests, the authors examined differences in age at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, tumor location and histology, and several birth characteristics between cases of KS-GCT and GCT cases without chromosomal abnormalities. Using publicly available data, the authors estimated the 1-year risk, risk ratio, and corresponding 95% confidence interval of GCTs among KS cases. Based on analysis of array genotyping data, 3% of male GCT cases (13 cases) had KS. The additional X chromosome was of maternal origin in 7 of the 13 cases. Of these 13 KS cases, 5 of 9 KS-GCT cases with parental questionnaire data (56%) reported a diagnosis of KS. No significant differences were observed with regard to patient or birth characteristics between KS-GCT and non-KS-GCT cases. KS-GCT cases were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with mediastinal tumors than non-KS-GCT cases (P<.01). The authors estimated the risk of developing a GCT among males with KS to be 0.00025, or 1 per 4000 males (risk ratio, 18.8; 95% confidence interval, 11.7-30.0). Compared with males without chromosomal abnormalities, males with KS are more likely to be diagnosed with a mediastinal GCT. The presence of KS should be considered in males with a diagnosis of mediastinal GCT. In the current study, the authors report that approximately one-third of males with mediastinal germ cell tumors have Klinefelter syndrome, and therefore screening of these individuals for the syndrome may be warranted. Males with Klinefelter syndrome are 19 times as likely as males without Klinefelter syndrome to develop germ cell tumors.

A Prospective Study on Klinefelter Syndrome: A Basket of Multiple Systemic Disorders in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: When one or more extra X chromosome is added to a normal male karyotype (46-XY), then a new aneuploidy appears called Klinefelter Syndrome (KS). Every day approximately more than 50 new such cases are added in the male population of India. Traditionally they are lean, thin, tall, azoospermic, hypogonadic, infertile males with low social and educational profile. As the age advances level of testosterone decreases and many new symptoms of multiple systemic disorders appear in these cases. Methods: A well designed questionnaire of infertile males attending the above- mentioned OPD’s was filled with history, clinical examination and semen analysis (twice as per the WHO criteria). Results: In our series of 500 azoospermic males, we encountered 56 classical KS cases (11.2 %) of 47-XXY karyotype, who were hypergonadotrophic hypogonadic and diagnosed with multiple diseases when evaluated in detail. Conclusions: Hence, every KS must receive androgen replacement therapy, which should begin at puberty and continue for lifelong that helps in preventing the development of high comorbidity rate and premature deaths because these are very high in such condition as compared to normal male population.