A case of familial male-limited precocious puberty in a 4-year-old boy

Authors

  • Roberto Coco Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina
  • Giorgia Pepe Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina
  • Giovanni Luppino Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina
  • Mariella Valenzise Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina
  • Malgorzata Wasniewska Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina
  • Tommaso Aversa Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13129/1828-6550/APMB.111.2.2023.CCS2

Keywords:

precocious puberty, testotoxicosis, Familial male-limited precocious puberty, antiandrogen, ketoconazole, letrozole

Abstract

Familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP), or testotoxicosis, is a rare cause of precocious puberty in males. It is caused by an activating mutation in the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) gene. This causes excessive production of testosterone, with LH and FSH levels suppressed. Generally, boys present with signs of puberty, with age of onset between 2-5 years essentially with penis and testes growth, linear growth acceleration and progressive bone age advancement. Differential diagnosis is often a challenge with others causes of peripheral puberty. The goal of treatment is to decrease the effect of testosterone as well as reduce the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. The long-term aims are to prevent precocious virilization and to delay closure of the epiphyseal plates to maintain adult height potential. Little is known about the long-term effects of treatment because the disorder is so rare. However recent studies using bicalutamide and anastrozole have been promising. In this report, we present a boy with FMPP with a classic mutation in the LHCGR gene, who has been challenging to manage with off-label drugs.

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Published

2023-11-13

Issue

Vol. 111 No. 2 (2023)

Section

CLINICAL CASE SEMINAR

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