X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia: proposal pathogenesis.

Two male infants with hyperpigmentation, vomiting, lethargy and weight loss were reported. Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis were suggestive diagnosis of salt losing adrenocortical insufficiency. The absence of ambiguous genitalia, low 24 hour urinary 17 KS and pregnanetriol excretion precluded congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Low basal levels of plasma aldosterone and cortisol and low 24 hour urinary 17 OHCS excretion with disability to increase their corticosteroid secretions after ACTH stimulation as well as furosemide and theophylline infusions were supportive for the diagnosis of congenital adrenal hypoplasia. The definitive diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonogram and computerized tomography. Family histories suggested X-linked recessive inheritance in these reported cases. Evidence of progressive postnatal adrenocortical degeneration was documented by progressive deterioration of adrenocortical functions beginning from mineralocorticoid to total corticosteroid deficiencies. The increased brain serotonin synthesis as the associated pathology of X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia was proposed on the basis of elevated basal plasma GH and PRL levels in the reported cases, taken together with an incidence of congenital LH deficiency and persistent ACTH hypersecretion in corticosteroid treated patients reported elsewhere.