A case of pediatric virilizing adrenocortical tumor resulting in hypothalamic-pituitary activation and central precocious puberty following surgical removal

Endocr J. 2009;56(8):975-82. doi: 10.1507/endocrj.k09e-146. Epub 2009 Aug 12.

Abstract

We present a 6-year-old boy with a virilizing adrenocortical tumor who initially presented with peripheral precocious puberty. Development of facial acne, pubic hair and a growth spurt were noted at the age of five. A low-pitched voice as well as maturation of external genitalia was noted at the age of six. Both serum and urinary levels of adrenal androgens were elevated. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a large right suprarenal mass and he underwent surgical resection without any complications. The histological diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma according to the criteria of Weiss. Following surgical removal of the androgen-producing tumor, the patient subsequently developed hypothalamic-pituitary activation and demonstrated central precocious puberty. He was treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in order to delay further pubertal progression. Clinical follow-up of potential secondary effects of excess hormone secretion after removal is important in some pediatric patients with virilizing adrenocortical tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / complications*
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / metabolism
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / physiopathology
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / surgery*
  • Age Determination by Skeleton
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Puberty, Precocious / etiology*
  • Puberty, Precocious / metabolism
  • Puberty, Precocious / physiopathology