Late presentation of simple virilising 21-hydroxylase deficiency in a Chinese woman with Turner's syndrome

Hong Kong Med J. 2013 Jun;19(3):268-71. doi: 10.12809/hkmj133717.

Abstract

Classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a well-known disorder of sexual development (previously known as ambiguous genitalia) in genotypic female neonates. We report on a 66-year-old Chinese, brought up as male, with a simple virilising form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia associated with Turner's syndrome (karyotype 45,X/47,XXX/46,XX). His late presentation was recognised due to his exceptionally short stature and persistent sexual ambiguity. His condition was only brought to medical attention as he developed a huge abdominal mass, which later turned out to be a benign ovarian mucinous cyst. It is therefore important to look out for co-existing congenital adrenal hyperplasia in patients with Turner's syndrome and virilisation, after the presence of Y chromosome material has been excluded.

Keywords: Adrenal hyperplasia, congenital; Steroids/urine; Turner syndrome; Virilism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / physiopathology
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Body Height
  • China
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Cysts / etiology
  • Ovarian Cysts / pathology
  • Turner Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Turner Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Virilism / diagnosis*
  • Virilism / etiology

Supplementary concepts

  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency