Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency presenting as an acute neurologic emergency in a peripubertal girl

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Aug;21(8):799-803. doi: 10.1515/jpem.2008.21.8.799.

Abstract

Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency (IAD) is extraordinarily rare, and the clinical manifestations of its accompanying adrenal insufficiency are diverse. Early-onset forms of IAD have been linked to mutations in the Tpit transcription factor gene TPIT; however, the genetic basis of juvenile- or late-onset IAD is unknown. Herein, we describe a case of a peripubertal girl with IAD and a normal TPIT gene who presented with an acute neurologic emergency, demonstrating both the variable clinical presentation of IAD and the need for continued investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying juvenile- and late-onset IAD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / deficiency*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Endocrine
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / therapeutic use
  • Hypopituitarism / diagnosis*
  • Hypopituitarism / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone