17α-Hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (17OHD) is caused by pathogenic mutations in CYP17A1. Impaired 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities typically induce hypertension, hypokalemia, sexual infantilism, and amenorrhea. Most patients with 17OHD are diagnosed in adolescence. Here, we report a female (46, XX) patient with 17OHD who was diagnosed at the age of 67 years. Genetic analysis was performed using direct DNA sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. Direct DNA sequencing revealed a homozygous c.1039C>T in CYP17A1, corresponding to a p.R347C amino acid change. MLPA probe signals showed that the CYP17A1 mutation was present in the homozygous carrier state. The patient's dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and androstenedione levels were extremely low, despite elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and normal cortisol levels. A corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test showed no response of cortisol, despite a normal response of ACTH. Rapid ACTH injection resulted in elevations in the deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, aldosterone, and 17-hydroxypregnenolone levels, but not in the cortisol level. These results suggested that 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase activities were partially impaired. Computed tomography revealed bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and a hypoplastic uterus. A high basal plasma ACTH level and a discrepancy between ACTH and cortisol responses in a CRH test may provide a definitive diagnostic clue for this disease.
Keywords: 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency; Adrenal hyperplasia.