Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to P450c21 (21-hydroxylase deficiency) is a common autosomal recessive disorder. This disorder is due to mutations in the CYP21A2 gene which is located at chromosome 6p21. The clinical features reflect the magnitude of the loss of function mutations. Individuals with complete loss of function mutations usually present in the neonatal period. The clinical features of individuals with mild loss of function mutations are predominantly due to androgen excess rather than adrenal insufficiency leading to an ascertainment bias favoring diagnosis in females. Treatment goals include normal linear growth velocity and "on-time" puberty in affected children. For adolescent and adult women, treatment goals include regularization of menses, prevention of progression of hirsutism, and fertility. This article will review key aspects regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CAH.     

Nonclassic 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Nonclassic 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a frequent autosomal recessive disorder which causes decreased fertility and is easily treated. It occurs with the highest frequency of any other autosomal recessive disorder in humans.     

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and luteal dysfunction

A case of 21-hydroxylase deficiency diagnosed and first treated at the age of 3 years is presented. Although pubertal development was delayed, full reproductive function was attained, with menses occurring at 14-33-day intervals. Infertility evaluation at age 20 revealed elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17Po) and androgen concentrations and reduced luteal phase progesterone levels consistent with inadequate luteal function. This was corrected with additional corticosteroid replacement. Normal pregnancy and delivery followed.     

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency

The most potent corticosteroids are 11beta-hydroxylated compounds. In humans, two cytochrome P450 isoenzymes with 11beta-hydroxylase activity, catalyzing the biosynthesis of cortisol and aldosterone, are present in the adrenal cortex. CYP11B1, the gene encoding 11beta-hydroxylase (P450c11), is expressed in high levels in the zona fasciculata and is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). CYP11B2, the gene encoding aldosterone synthase (P450c11Aldo), is expressed in the zona glomerulosa under primary control of the renin-angiotensin system. The substrate for P450c11 is 11-deoxycortisol. Mutations in CYP11B1 cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency. This disorder is characterized by androgen excess and hypertension and is autosomal recessively inherited. Classical and nonclassical forms of 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency can be distinguished. Studies in heterozygotes for classical 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency show inconsistent results with no or only mild hormonal abnormalities (elevated plasma levels of 11-deoxycortisol after ACTH stimulation). Molecular genetic studies of the CYP11B1 gene in 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency have led to the identification of several mutations. Transfection experiments showed loss of enzyme activity in vitro. Molecular genetic studies have practical importance for the prenatal diagnosis of virilizing CAH forms.     

Nonclassic 21-hydroxylase deficiency

The nonclassic form of adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) has been increasingly recognized in adolescent or adult hyperandrogenic patients. It is now widely accepted that neither the clinical presentation nor the androgen plasma levels can be used for the screening or diagnosis of NCAH in hyperandrogenic women, especially those presenting with a phenotype like that in polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, the measurement of a follicular morning level of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-HP) should be included in the initial investigation of all hyperandrogenic women, including those with premature pubarche. Levels of 17-HP lower than 2 ng/mL (6.0 nmol/L) and greater than 4 ng/mL (12.0 nmol/L) have good predictive negative and positive values, respectively. The adrenocorticotropic hormone test is useful only when the morning follicular unsuppressed 17-HP level falls between 2 and 4 ng/mL (6 to 12 nmol/L). Adrenal insufficiency and adrenal hyperplasia are more theoretical than real complications of NCAH. On the other hand, the polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility are frequently associated with NCAH. For the treatment of hyperandrogenism, the conventional treatment by glucocorticoid therapy is challenged by cyproterone acetate, but it is still indicated when patients wish a pregnancy. It can be questioned whether the low risk of virilized female newborns in untreated women with NCAH justifies prenatal diagnosis and treatment.     

Para-ovarian adrenal rest tumors: gynecologic manifestations of untreated congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an inherited disorder of adrenal steroidogenesis often diagnosed in infancy. Gynecologists may encounter adult patients with CAH due to the clinical effects of increased androgens, e.g. hirsutism, clitoromegaly, oligomenorrhea, or, rarely, pelvic masses. This case report reviews the association of para-ovarian adrenal rest tumors with CAH, and the role of gynecologists in their evaluation and treatment. A 23-year-old woman with CAH (21-hydroxyase deficiency) untreated for the past 5 years presented with a pelvic mass and elevated serum testosterone (1433?ng/dL) and plasma ACTH (1117?pg/mL). Intraoperative findings revealed multiple retroperitoneal masses. Final pathology demonstrated adrenal rest tissue. Para-ovarian and ovarian adrenal rest tumors may present as a rare gynecologic manifestation in patients with untreated CAH.     

Virilizing adrenal adenoma and primary amenorrhea in a girl with adrenal hyperplasia

We report a 14-year-old girl with primary amenorrhea and virilization. The chromosomal analysis showed a normal 46,XX female karyotype and the hormonal assays disclosed high serum levels of testosterone (T): 450 ng/dL (normal 5-90), dehidroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S): 690 microg/dL (normal 30-450) and 17-hydroxiprogesterone (17-OHP) >20 ng/mL (normal <2). A pelvic ultrasound disclosed a small uterus and bilateral enlargement of the ovaries, a computed axial tomographic scan of the abdomen identified a large right mass in the adrenal gland and a norcholesterol-I 131 adrenal gammagraphy revealed a functional adrenal tumor. The histological analysis of the surgical removed tumor revealed and adrenal adenoma. After surgery, a steep decline to normal serum levels of T and DHEA-S was observed, remaining an elevated level of 17-OHP: 5.4 ng/mL. During the first three months of follow up, the hirsutism declined sharply and spontaneous mammary development occurred, remaining elevated the 17-OHP serum level: 4.8 ng/mL. Prednisone 5 mg/day, was initiated decreasing the 17-OHP to normal level: 1.4 ng/mL, appearing the menarche followed by cyclical menses. One year after surgery, prednisone was withdrawn during one week, and an ACTH test and HLA typing were done, disclosing a 17-OHP response of an heterozygote for adrenal hyperplasia, and identifying B65 a subtype of B14, and DR1, that are frequently associated to adrenal hyperplasia. Previous reports have informed silent adrenal tumors associated to adrenal hyperplasia, but this is the first report of a functional adrenal tumor associated to adrenal hyperplasia.     

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia with 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency.

A rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency, may be misdiagnosed as 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the most common form of CAH, because of similar clinical presentations at times and elevated level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in both conditions. We report a case of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency that was originally misdiagnosed as 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Hypertension and hypokalemia complicated with seizures and arrhythmia developed in this 9-year-old girl after abrupt withdrawal of oral dexamethasone but maintenance of fludrocortisone. Suspicion of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency led to DNA mutation analysis, which revealed a novel point mutation (CTG 461 CCG) in the CYP11B1 gene converting leucine to proline. Her condition stabilized rapidly after withdrawal of fludrocortisone and administration of hydrocortisone. Regular measurement of blood pressure should be performed in all patients with CAH and test of serum 11-deoxycortisol or deoxycorticosterone level should be performed in those patients with elevated blood pressure to avoid misdiagnosis of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency.