Prevalence of Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumor and Factors Associated with Its Development in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) can cause infertility in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) males. AIMS: To determine TART prevalence in patients with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) and evaluate possible factors associated with its development. METHODS: This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study evaluating males with the classical form of 21-OHD through testicular ultrasonography and serum inhibin B dosages. Data on prescribed glucocorticoid dose and serum levels of 17- hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione (Andro), ACTH, renin, and LH were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Thirty-eight males were evaluated. The mean age on ultrasonography was 15.2 ± 6.7 (3-27) years. Nine patients (23.7%) had TART, 4 of them were prepubertal and the youngest was 5 years old. No association was found between TART and 21-OHD phenotype, glucocorticoid dose, or 17-OHP, ACTH, LH, renin, and inhibin B levels measured in the 6 preceding years. However, 50% of the patients who presented increased Andro 2 years prior to the evaluation had TART (p = 0.018, OR = 8.00 [95% CI: 1.42-44.92]), whereas in the normal Andro group only 16.7% had tumors. CONCLUSION: This study showed that TART can occur in prepubertal patients and that disease control could be a factor associated with its development. Therefore, we suggest investigating TART development early in childhood, mainly in poorly controlled 21-OHD patients.

Spontaneous puberty in girls with early diagnosis of Turner syndrome / Puberdade espontânea em meninas com diagnóstico precoce de síndrome de Turner

OBJECTIVE: To verify if the frequency of spontaneous pubertal development among girls with Turner syndrome (TS) diagnosed in infancy and childhood is greater than that of patients diagnosed later. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty three girls aged < 10 years at the time of diagnosis were evaluated regarding pubertal development. The frequency of spontaneous puberty was compared with that of girls aged > 13 years diagnosed at the same service. RESULTS: Sixteen of 32 informative patients had signs of spontaneous puberty, a frequency greater than that of patients diagnosed later. In six patients, there was no progression of puberty; menarche occurred in six, and one became pregnant, but the fetus was a stillborn. Spontaneous puberty was absent in all cases with 45,X karyotype. CONCLUSIONS: The greater prevalence of spontaneous puberty in girls whose diagnosis was not based on pubertal delay suggests that, among those diagnosed later, there is a bias towards patients with hypogonadism. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(9):653-7.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se a frequência de puberdade espontânea em meninas com síndrome de Turner (ST) diagnosticadas na infância é superior a de pacientes diagnosticadas posteriormente. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 33 meninas < 10 anos ao diagnóstico quanto ao desenvolvimento puberal. A frequência de puberdade espontânea foi comparada com a de pacientes com mais de 13 anos diagnosticadas no mesmo serviço. RESULTADOS: Dezesseis das 32 pacientes informativas tiveram sinais puberais espontâneos, frequência superior a daquelas diagnosticadas posteriormente. Em seis delas, não houve progressão da puberdade; a menarca ocorreu em seis casos e uma paciente ficou grávida, porém o feto foi natimorto. Em todos os casos com cariótipo 45,X não ocorreu puberdade espontânea. CONCLUSÕES: A maior prevalência de puberdade espontânea em meninas cujo diagnóstico não se baseou em atraso puberal sugere que naquelas detectadas posteriormente haja distorção em favor de pacientes com hipogonadismo. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(9):653-7.

Sexual difference, identification and object choice in individuals with sex differentiation disorders / Diferença sexual, identificação e escolha de objeto em pacientes com distúrbios da diferenciação sexual / Différence sexuelle, identification et choix d'objet parmi des patients porteur de troubles de différenciation sexuelle / Diferencia sexual, identificación e elección de objeto en pacientes con anomalías de la diferenciación sexual

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how sexual identity is structured and also to investigate the relationship between sexual identity, choice of sex object and sexual difference. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were held with seven adult patients who were born with sex differentiation disorders: Two had 5-alpha-reductase type-2 deficiency and five had congenital adrenal hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Sex is trauma. Neither male nor female nor any other gender identification implies the choice of sex object, genders of partners or sexual practices.

OBJETIVO: Interrogar como se estrutura a identidade sexual. Investigar as relações entre identidade sexual, escolha de objeto sexual e diferença sexual. MÉTODO: Aplicamos entrevista semi-estruturada em pacientes com distúrbios da diferenciação sexual: 2 com deficiência da 5 alfa redutase tipo 2 e 5 com Hiperplasia Adrenal Congênita. CONCLUSÕES: Sexo é trauma. Identificação masculina, feminina ou outras não implicam no sexo do objeto de escolha, gênero dos parceiros ou práticas sexuais.

OBJECTIF: Ce travail a pour but d'analyser la façon comment l'identité sexuelle se structure, ainsi que d'investiguer les rapports entre l'identité sexuelle, le choix de l'objet sexuel et la différence sexuelle. MÉTHODE: Entrevue semi-dirigée de patients porteur de troubles de différenciation sexuelle: Deux patients porteurs du déficit 5-alpha réductase type 2 et cinq patients porteurs d'hyperplasie congénitale des surrénales. CONCLUSION: Le sexe est un traumatisme. L'identification masculine, féminine ou autre n'implique pas le sexe de l'objet du choix, le genre des partenaires ou les pratiques sexuels.

OBJETIVO: Interrogar como se estructura la identidad sexual. Investigar las relaciones entre identidad sexual, elección de objeto sexual y diferencia sexual. MÉTODO: Fueron aplicadas entrevistas semiestructuradas en pacientes con trastornos en la diferenciación sexual: 2 con deficiencias de la 5 Alpha Redutase tipo 2 y 5 con Hiperplasia Adrenal Congénita. CONCLUSIÓN: Sexo es trauma. Identificación masculina, femenina u otras no implican en el sexo del objeto de elección, el género de los compañeros (partenaires) o prácticas sexuales.

Spontaneous puberty in girls with early diagnosis of Turner syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To verify if the frequency of spontaneous pubertal development among girls with Turner syndrome (TS) diagnosed in infancy and childhood is greater than that of patients diagnosed later. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty three girls aged < 10 years at the time of diagnosis were evaluated regarding pubertal development. The frequency of spontaneous puberty was compared with that of girls aged > 13 years diagnosed at the same service. RESULTS: Sixteen of 32 informative patients had signs of spontaneous puberty, a frequency greater than that of patients diagnosed later. In six patients, there was no progression of puberty; menarche occurred in six, and one became pregnant, but the fetus was a stillborn. Spontaneous puberty was absent in all cases with 45,X karyotype. CONCLUSIONS: The greater prevalence of spontaneous puberty in girls whose diagnosis was not based on pubertal delay suggests that, among those diagnosed later, there is a bias towards patients with hypogonadism.

Turner syndrome and metabolic derangements: another example of fetal programming.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Turner syndrome (TS) patients have an increased risk of weight gain and metabolic syndrome. To date, it is unknown what factors are involved in this metabolic process, even though it is recognized that TS patients are frequently born small-for-gestational age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between lipid and glucose profiles with being overweight and birth weight and length in TS patients. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum glucose, insulin (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured in 64 patients with TS. Data regarding birth weight and length and current body mass index (BMI) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Total cholesterol showed a significant negative correlation with birth weight and a positive correlation with BMI; triglycerides showed significant negative correlation with birth weight and length and a positive correlation with BMI; and HOMA-IR showed a significant negative correlation with birth weight and length. Low birth weight and a high BMI were predictive for 28% of total cholesterol and triglycerides; and low birth weight for 22% of HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid profile was correlated with a high current BMI and low birth weight and length in TS patients and glucose profile only with low birth weight. Thus far, growth retardation may play a role in metabolic derangements in this group of patients, being considered another example of fetal programming.

Metabolic evaluation of young women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia / Avaliação metabólica em mulheres jovens com hiperplasia adrenal congênita

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate insulin resistance and lipid profile in women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), and their association with body mass index (BMI) and corticosteroid dosage. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We assessed BMI, waist circumference, current glucocorticoid dosage, glucose, insulin and lipid profile in eighteen young women (mean ± SD, 19.3 ± 3.0 years) with 21OHD CAH. RESULTS: BMI was normal in 12 patients, 5 of them were overweight, and 1 was obese. Waist circumference was high in 7 patients. Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were elevated in seven and eight patients, respectively. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were high in only two patients, and HDL-cholesterol was low in four. Insulin resistance was not associated with BMI, waist circumference or glucocorticoid dose. CONCLUSIONS: Young women with 21OHD CAH had infrequent dyslipidemia, but had a higher prevalence of insulin resistance and central obesity, that were independent of BMI or corticosteroid dosage.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença de resistência insulínica e dislipidemia em mulheres com hiperplasia adrenal congênita (HAC) por deficiência da 21-hidroxilase (21OHD) e investigar a associação com índice de massa corporal (IMC) e dose de glicocorticoide prescrita. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Em 18 mulheres jovens (média ± DP, 19,3 ± 3,0 anos), avaliamos IMC, circunferência abdominal, dose de glicocorticoide, glicemia, insulinemia e perfil lipídico. RESULTADOS: O IMC foi normal em 12 pacientes; 5 apresentavam sobrepeso e 1 apresentou obesidade. Circunferência abdominal estava aumentada em 7 pacientes. Insulinemia de jejum e HOMA-IR estavam elevados em 7 e 8 pacientes, respectivamente. Apenas 2 pacientes apresentaram aumento de colesterol total ou de triglicérides e 4, diminuição dos níveis de HDL-colesterol. Resistência insulínica não apresentou associação com IMC, circunferência abdominal ou dose de glicocorticoide prescrita. CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres jovens com CAH 21OHD apresentaram pouca dislipidemia, mas tiveram alta prevalência de resistência insulínica e obesidade central, independentemente do IMC e da dose de glicocorticoide prescrita.

Growth hormone effect on body composition in Turner syndrome.

This study analyzes the body composition of young adult women with Turner syndrome (TS) either treated or not treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and compares them with a group of healthy women. Fifty-two non-treated TS patients (23.0 ± 5.8 years), 30 treated with rhGH (21.5 ± 1.5 years), and 133 healthy young adult women (22.9 ± 3.2 years) were evaluated regarding height (H) and weight, body mass index (BMI), brachial perimeter and tricipital cutaneous fold (fat and lean areas at the arm), sitting height (SRH = sitting height/H × 100), leg length (leg/H), waist and hip circumferences (waist/hip), and bioimpedance (percentages of water, lean mass, and fat mass). Age at start of rhGH therapy varied from 7.8 to 15.1 years (10.0 ± 1.3 years), duration of treatment from 2.8 to 8.2 years (3.7 ± 1.5 years), and the mean dose was 0.42 mg/kg/w (from 0.32 to 0.50 mg/kg/w). Body composition (except height) did not differ between TS groups, but there were differences when compared to the control group: weight and sitting height were lower in TS patients; and BMI, SHR, and leg/H were higher. There was an association between all groups with regards to BMI, waist, SHR, and leg/H, but not in percentage of fat mass. SHR was positively correlated with BMI, waist, hip, and percentage of fat mass. This sample of TS patients (with and without rhGH therapy) did not differ in BMI or body composition. However, there were differences between patients with TS patients and normal healthy women. Regardless of rhGH therapy, TS patients should be monitored, particularly for sitting height, SHR, leg length, leg/H, and waist/hip.

Metabolic evaluation of young women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate insulin resistance and lipid profile in women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), and their association with body mass index (BMI) and corticosteroid dosage. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We assessed BMI, waist circumference, current glucocorticoid dosage, glucose, insulin and lipid profile in eighteen young women (mean ± SD, 19.3 ± 3.0 years) with 21OHD CAH. RESULTS: BMI was normal in 12 patients, 5 of them were overweight, and 1 was obese. Waist circumference was high in 7 patients. Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were elevated in seven and eight patients, respectively. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were high in only two patients, and HDL-cholesterol was low in four. Insulin resistance was not associated with BMI, waist circumference or glucocorticoid dose. CONCLUSIONS: Young women with 21OHD CAH had infrequent dyslipidemia, but had a higher prevalence of insulin resistance and central obesity, that were independent of BMI or corticosteroid dosage.

Six new cases confirm the clinical molecular profile of complete combined 17α-hydroxylase/ 17,20-lyase deficiency in Brazil / Seis novos casos confirmam o perfil clínico molecular de deficiência combinada de 17 alfa-hidroxilase/17,20-liase no Brasil

In 2004, Costa-Santos and cols. reported 24 patients from 19 Brazilian families with 17α-hydroxylase deficiency and showed that p.W406R and p.R362C corresponded to 50 percent and 32 percent of CYP17A1 mutant alleles, respectively. The present report describes clinical and molecular data of six patients from three inbred Brazilian families with 17α-hydroxlyse deficiency. All patients had hypogonadism, amenorrhea and hypertension at diagnosis. Two sisters were found to be 46,XY with both gonads palpable in the inguinal region. All patients presented hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism, with high levels of ACTH (> 104 ng/mL), suppressed plasmatic renin activity, low levels of potassium (< 2.8 mEq/L) and elevated progesterone levels (> 4.4 ng/mL). Three of them, including two sisters, were homozygous for p.W406R mutation and the other three (two sisters and one cousin) were homozygous for p.R362C. The finding of p.W406R and p.R362C in the CYP17A1 gene here reported in additional families, confirms them as the most frequent mutations causing complete combined 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency in Brazilian patients.

Em 2004, segundo Costa-Santos e cols., p.W406R e p.R362C correspondiam a 50 por cento e 32 por cento dos alelos mutantes do gene CYP17A1, respectivamente, em 24 pacientes de 19 famílias brasileiras com deficiência da 17α-hidroxilase. Apresentamos os dados clνnicos e moleculares de seis pacientes de três famílias consanguíneas brasileiras com deficiência da 17α-hidroxilase. Todas as pacientes apresentavam hipogonadismo, amenorreia e hipertensão ao diagnóstico. Duas irmãs tinham cariótipo 46,XY, ambas com gônadas palpáveis na região inguinal. Todas tinham hipogonadismo hipergonadotrófico, com nível aumentado de ACTH (> 104 ng/mL), atividade de renina plasmática suprimida, baixos níveis de potássio (< 2,8 mEq/L) e progesterona aumentada (> 4,4 ng/mL). Três delas, incluindo duas irmãs, apresentaram homozigose para a mutação p.W406R e as outras três (duas irmãs e uma prima) foram homozigotas para a mutação p.R362C. A recorrência das mutações p.W406R e p.R362C no gene CYP17A1 aqui relatada em famílias adicionais confirma que essas são as mais frequentes causadoras do fenótipo completo da deficiência combinada de 17α-hidroxilase/17,20-liase em pacientes brasileiros.

Novel DMRT1 3'UTR+11insT mutation associated to XY partial gonadal dysgenesis / Nova mutação 3'UTR+11insT no gene DMRT1 associada à disgenesia gonadal parcial XY

The Y-chromosome-located SRY gene encodes a small testis-specific protein containing a DNA-binding motif known as the HMG (high mobility group) box. However, mutations in SRY are not frequent especially in cases of 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis. Several sex-determining genes direct the fate of the bipotential gonad to either testis or ovary. In addition, heterozygous small deletions in 9p can cause complete and partial XY gonadal dysgenesis without other symptoms. Human DMRT1 gene, which is located at 9p24.3, is expressed in testis and ovary and has been considered, among others, a candidate autosomal gene responsible for gonadal dysgenesis. In this report we describe a nucleotide insertion in DMRT1 3'UTR in a patient of XY partial gonadal dygenesis. The 3'UTR+11insT is located within a conserved motif important for mRNA stabilization.

O gene SRY, localizado no cromossomo Y, codifica uma proteína testículo-específica contendo um domínio HMG (grupo de alta mobilidade) de ligação ao DNA. No entanto, mutações no gene SRY não são frequentes, especialmente nos casos de disgenesia gonadal parcial em indivíduos 46,XY. São atualmente conhecidos vários genes que participam do processo de diferenciação gonadal, tanto para o desenvolvimento testicular quanto para o ovariano. Além disso, pequenas deleções heterozigotas em 9p podem causar disgenesia gonadal XY completa ou parcial, sem outros sintomas associados. O gene DMRT1 humano, que está localizado em 9p24.3, é expresso no testículo e ovário no período fetal e tem sido considerado um dos genes autossômicos envolvido na etiologia das disgenesias gonadais. Neste trabalho, descrevemos a inserção de um nucleotídeo em 3'UTR do gene DMRT1 em um paciente 46,XY com disgenesia gonadal parcial. A mutação 3'UTR+11insT está localizada dentro de um motivo conservado importante para a estabilização do mRNA.

Long-term follow-up of an 8-year-old boy with insulinoma as the first manifestation of a familial form of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 / Seguimento de longo prazo em um menino de 8 anos de idade com insulinoma como primeira manifestação de neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 1

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome characterized mostly by parathyroid, enteropancreatic, and anterior pituitary tumors. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy referred because of hypoglycemic attacks. His diagnosis was pancreatic insulinoma. Paternal grandmother died due to repeated gastroduodenal ulcerations and a paternal aunt presented similar manifestations. At a first evaluation, the father presented only gastric ulceration but subsequently developed hyperparathyroidism and lung carcinoid tumor. During almost 15 years of follow-up, three brothers and the index case presented hyperparathyroidism and hyperprolactinemia. Molecular study showed a G to A substitution in intron 4, at nine nucleotides upstream of the splicing acceptor site, causing a splicing mutation. All affected members of the family have the same mutation. Paternal grandmother and aunt were not studied and the mother does not carry any mutation. MEN1 is a rare condition that requires permanent medical assistance. Early clinical and genetic identification of affected individuals is essential for their own surveillance and also for genetic counseling.

A neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 1 (NEM1) é uma doença hereditária autossômica dominante, caracterizada principalmente por tumores de paratireoide, enteropancreáticos e adeno-hipofisários. Apresentamos o caso de um menino com 8 anos encaminhado por crises de hipoglicemia. Seu diagnóstico foi insulinoma pancreático. Sua avó paterna faleceu por úlceras gastroduodenais de repetição e a tia paterna tinha as mesmas manifestações. Na primeira avaliação, o pai apresentou apenas úlcera gástrica, porém com a evolução desenvolveu hiperparatireoidismo e tumor carcinoide pulmonar. Durante cerca de 15 anos de seguimento, os três irmãos e o caso índice desenvolveram hiperparatireoidismo e hiperprolactinemia. O estudo molecular mostrou a substituição G por A no intron 4, a nove nucleotídeos do sítio aceptor de splicing, criando um novo sítio de splicing. Todos os membros da família afetados e estudados tinham a mesma mutação. A NEM1 é uma condição rara que requer assistência médica permanente. As identificações clínicas e genéticas precoces são essenciais para o tratamento e aconselhamento genético.

Screening of autosomal gene deletions in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification: detection of a hemizygosis for the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with anosmia (Kallmann syndrome) or with normal sense of smell is a heterogeneous genetic disorder caused by defects in the synthesis, secretion and action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Mutations involving autosomal genes have been identified in approximately 30% of all cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. However, most studies that screened patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism for gene mutations did not include gene dosage methodologies. Therefore, it remains to be determined whether patients without detected point mutation carried a heterozygous deletion of one or more exons. MEASUREMENTS: We used the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay to evaluate the potential contribution of heterozygous deletions of FGFR1, GnRH1, GnRHR, GPR54 and NELF genes in the aetiology of GnRH deficiency. PATIENTS: We studied a mutation-negative cohort of 135 patients, 80 with Kallmann syndrome and 55 with normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. RESULTS: One large heterozygous deletion involving all FGFR1 exons was identified in a female patient with sporadic normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and mild dimorphisms as ogival palate and cavus foot. FGFR1 hemizygosity was confirmed by gene dosage with comparative multiplex and real-time PCRs. CONCLUSIONS: FGFR1 or other autosomal gene deletion is a possible but very rare event and does not account for a significant number of sporadic or inherited cases of isolated GnRH deficiency.

Cardiovascular and renal anomalies in Turner syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and type of cardiovascular (CV) and renal/collecting system (R/CS) abnormalities seen in a sample of patients with Turner Syndrome (TS) and to verify the proportion of those anomalies detected only after diagnosis was established. METHODS: Retrospective study of 130 patients with TS diagnosed in an outpatient setting between 1989 and 2006. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.9 years. Data were obtained by personal history of CV and R/CS disorders and by results of echocardiogram and ultrasonography of the kidneys and collecting system performed after diagnosis. RESULTS: 25.6% of patients who underwent echocardiograms presented CV abnormalities. Among them, mitral regurgitation (21.4%), bicuspid aortic valve (19%) and aortic coarctation (19%) were the most frequent. R/CS anomalies were found in 29.3% of patients who underwent ultrasonography. Among them, duplication of the collecting system and hydronephrosis (25% each) and horseshoe kidney (21.2%) were the most frequent. In about 80% of cases there was no previous knowledge of these anomalies. CONCLUSION: The frequency of CV and R/CS abnormalities found in this study was similar to that of previous studies, but most were found in routine exams after TS diagnosis. Thus, early detection of associated anomalies depends on early detection of TS.

Long-term follow-up of an 8-year-old boy with insulinoma as the first manifestation of a familial form of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome characterized mostly by parathyroid, enteropancreatic, and anterior pituitary tumors. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy referred because of hypoglycemic attacks. His diagnosis was pancreatic insulinoma. Paternal grandmother died due to repeated gastroduodenal ulcerations and a paternal aunt presented similar manifestations. At a first evaluation, the father presented only gastric ulceration but subsequently developed hyperparathyroidism and lung carcinoid tumor. During almost 15 years of follow-up, three brothers and the index case presented hyperparathyroidism and hyperprolactinemia. Molecular study showed a G to A substitution in intron 4, at nine nucleotides upstream of the splicing acceptor site, causing a splicing mutation. All affected members of the family have the same mutation. Paternal grandmother and aunt were not studied and the mother does not carry any mutation. MEN1 is a rare condition that requires permanent medical assistance. Early clinical and genetic identification of affected individuals is essential for their own surveillance and also for genetic counseling.

Novel DMRT1 3'UTR+11insT mutation associated to XY partial gonadal dysgenesis.

The Y-chromosome-located SRY gene encodes a small testis-specific protein containing a DNA-binding motif known as the HMG (high mobility group) box. However, mutations in SRY are not frequent especially in cases of 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis. Several sex-determining genes direct the fate of the bipotential gonad to either testis or ovary. In addition, heterozygous small deletions in 9p can cause complete and partial XY gonadal dysgenesis without other symptoms. Human DMRT1 gene, which is located at 9p24.3, is expressed in testis and ovary and has been considered, among others, a candidate autosomal gene responsible for gonadal dysgenesis. In this report we describe a nucleotide insertion in DMRT1 3'UTR in a patient of XY partial gonadal dygenesis. The 3'UTR+11insT is located within a conserved motif important for mRNA stabilization.

Six new cases confirm the clinical molecular profile of complete combined 17α-hydroxylase/ 17,20-lyase deficiency in Brazil.

In 2004, Costa-Santos and cols. reported 24 patients from 19 Brazilian families with 17α-hydroxylase deficiency and showed that p.W406R and p.R362C corresponded to 50% and 32% of CYP17A1 mutant alleles, respectively. The present report describes clinical and molecular data of six patients from three inbred Brazilian families with 17α-hydroxlyse deficiency. All patients had hypogonadism, amenorrhea and hypertension at diagnosis. Two sisters were found to be 46,XY with both gonads palpable in the inguinal region. All patients presented hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism, with high levels of ACTH (> 104 ng/mL), suppressed plasmatic renin activity, low levels of potassium (< 2.8 mEq/L) and elevated progesterone levels (> 4.4 ng/mL). Three of them, including two sisters, were homozygous for p.W406R mutation and the other three (two sisters and one cousin) were homozygous for p.R362C. The finding of p.W406R and p.R362C in the CYP17A1 gene here reported in additional families, confirms them as the most frequent mutations causing complete combined 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency in Brazilian patients.

Cardiovascular and renal anomalies in Turner syndrome / Anomalias cardiovasculares e renais na síndrome de Turner

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and type of cardiovascular (CV) and renal/collecting system (R/CS) abnormalities seen in a sample of patients with Turner Syndrome (TS) and to verify the proportion of those anomalies detected only after diagnosis was established. METHODS: Retrospective study of 130 patients with TS diagnosed in an outpatient setting between 1989 and 2006. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.9 years. Data were obtained by personal history of CV and R/CS disorders and by results of echocardiogram and ultrasonography of the kidneys and collecting system performed after diagnosis. RESULTS: 25.6 percent of patients who underwent echocardiograms presented CV abnormalities. Among them, mitral regurgitation (21.4 percent), bicuspid aortic valve (19 percent) and aortic coarctation (19 percent) were the most frequent. R/CS anomalies were found in 29.3 percent of patients who underwent ultrasonography. Among them, duplication of the collecting system and hydronephrosis (25 percent each) and horseshoe kidney (21.2 percent) were the most frequent. In about 80 percent of cases there was no previous knowledge of these anomalies. CONCLUSION: The frequency of CV and R/CS abnormalities found in this study was similar to that of previous studies, but most were found in routine exams after TS diagnosis. Thus, early detection of associated anomalies depends on early detection of TS.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a frequência e os tipos de anomalias cardiovasculares (CV) e de anomalias renais ou de sistema coletor (R/SC) em uma amostra de pacientes com síndrome de Turner (ST) e verificar a proporção dessas anomalias que só foram detectadas após o estabelecimento do diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 130 pacientes com ST diagnosticadas em serviço ambulatorial entre 1989 e 2006. A média de idade ao diagnóstico foi 11,9 anos. Foram coletados dados sobre antecedentes pessoais de anomalias CV e R/SC e resultados de ecocardiograma e ultrassonografia de rins e vias urinárias realizados após o diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: 25,6 por cento das pacientes submetidas ao ecocardiograma apresentavam anomalias CV. Dentre elas, as mais frequentes foram a insuficiência mitral (21,4 por cento), a valva aórtica bicúspide (19 por cento) e a coarctação da aorta (19 por cento). Anomalias R/SC foram observadas em 29,3 por cento das pacientes submetidas à ultrassonografia. Dentre elas, a duplicação do sistema coletor (25 por cento), a hidronefrose (25 por cento) e o rim em ferradura (21,2 por cento) foram as alterações mais frequentes. Em cerca de 80 por cento dos casos não havia conhecimento prévio dessas anomalias. CONCLUSÃO: A frequência de anomalias CV e anomalias R/SC verificada em nosso estudo foi semelhante à de outros trabalhos, mas a maioria só foi detectada em exames rotineiros após o diagnóstico de ST. A detecção precoce das anomalias associadas depende, portanto, do diagnóstico precoce dessa síndrome.

Impairment in anthropometric parameters and body composition in females with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical measurements and body composition of female patients with the classic form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Twenty-eight girls with CAH were classified according to both hormonal control (well or not well controlled) and the clinical form of the disease (simple virilizing or salt-wasting). In the control group, 112 healthy individuals were included, divided into two subgroups (male and female). Both patients and controls were subdivided by age into three groups according to pubertal stage: < or =10 years (prepubertal), 11-15 years (pubertal), and > or =15 years (postpubertal). Anthropometrical evaluations and bioelectrical impedance were used to obtain the physical measurement and body composition data. The patients with the simple virilizing form presented higher values for BMI, waist, arm fat area, and fat mass percentage. The not well controlled group presented shorter leg length. Values obtained for BMI as well as for arm fat area, brachial circumference, waist, hip, bi-iliac diameter and fat mass percentage were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls, whereas leg length, hand size and the percentages of water and lean mass were lower. Alterations in body composition were observed in all age groups, mainly by increase of fat mass with age. After puberty, impairments in limb measurements (leg, hand and foot) were more evident. Patients with CAH presented differences in anthropometric parameters but mainly in body composition. Hence, more comprehensive and careful anthropometric evaluation during monitoring of patients with CAH is recommended.

XX Maleness and XX true hermaphroditism in SRY-negative monozygotic twins: additional evidence for a common origin.

CONTEXT: Differentiation of testicular tissue in 46,XX individuals is seen either in XX males, the majority of them with SRY gene, or in individuals, usually SRY(-), with ovotesticular disorder of sex development (OT-DSD). Although they are sporadic cases, there are some reports on familial recurrence, including coexistence of XX maleness and OT-DSD in the same family. OBJECTIVE: We report on a case of SRY(-) 46,XX monozygotic twins with genital ambiguity. METHODS: Hormonal evaluation included testosterone, FSH, and LH measurements. SRY gene was investigated by PCR and two-step PCR in peripheral leukocytes and gonadal tissues, respectively. Direct DNA sequencing of the DAX-1 coding sequence was performed. Real-time PCR for SOX9 region on chromosome 17 was obtained. RESULTS: Both twins had a 46,XX karyotype. Twin A had a 1-cm phallus with chordee, penoscrotal hypospadias, and palpable gonads. Serum levels of FSH (2.34 mIU/ml), LH (8.8 mIU/ml), and testosterone (1.6 ng/ml) were normal, and biopsies revealed bilateral testes. Twin B had a 0.5-cm phallus, perineal hypospadias, no palpable gonad on the right, and a left inguinal hernia. Hormonal evaluation revealed high FSH (8.2 mIU/ml) and LH (15 mIU/ml) and low testosterone (0.12 ng/ml). Upon herniotomy, a right testis (crossed ectopia) and a small left ovotestis were found. SRY gene was absent in both peripheral leukocytes and gonadal tissue samples. Neither DAX-1 mutations nor SOX9 duplication was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This case provides evidence that both XX maleness and XX OT-DSD are different manifestations of the same disorder of gonadal development.

Severe rhabdomyolysis due to adipsic hypernatremia after craniopharyngioma surgery.

UNLABELLED: The association of diabetes insipidus and adipsia after craniopharyngioma surgery has high morbidity. Hypernatremia can be caused by adipsia and be aggravated by diabetes insipidus. Rhabdomyolysis rarely occurs. CASE REPORT: This is the first report of a diabetic patient with craniopharyngioma who developed diabetes insipidus and adipsia after surgery, evolving with severe hypernatremia that caused considerable rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION: The importance of the evaluation of muscle integrity when under hypernatremic states is pointed out. Although adipsia may have a simple solution through volunteer water ingestion, serious consequences such as repeated severe hypernatremia episodes and intense rhabdomyolysis with high morbidity could occur, if adipsia is not diagnosed.