Clinical puzzle of endocrine disorders in Van Wyk-Grumbach syndrome: A case report

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Authors: Aleksandra Laura Pach, Kamil Dyrka, Hanna Nowak, Katarzyna Janeczek, Karina Kapczuk, Marek Niedziela, Monika Obara-Moszyńska
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Abstract

Introduction: Van Wyk-Grumbach syndrome (VWGS) is a rare configuration of endocrine disorders due to long-standing hypothyroidism leading to precocious puberty (PP) symptoms.Case report: We present a case report of a 7-year-old female patient who was referred due to a vaginal hemorrhage lasting for several days.On physical examination: height was within the 10 th -25 th percentile, body weight > 97 th percentile.She had dry skin, and excessive subcutaneous adipose tissue.Sexual development was at Tanner stage 2. The thyroid gland was non-palpable.Laboratory findings were as follows: TSH > 100 µIU/ml (normal range [N]: 0.7-4.17),fT4 < 0.42 ng/dl (N: 0.7-1.37),fT3 1.38 pg/ml (N: 2.79-4.42),PRL 82.18 ng/ml (N: 5.18-26.53),E2 40 pg/ml (N: < 20), LH < 0.03 mIU/ml (N: 0.03-0.55),FSH 8 mIU/ml (N: 0.7-3.39),positive anti-thyroid antibodies (TPO-Abs and Tg-Abs).Bone age was assessed as 9 years.Thyroid ultrasound (US) showed a characteristic pattern of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).Abdominal US showed a multicystic lesion in the right ovary.The patient was diagnosed with AITD, which caused gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) -independent precocious puberty.Replacement therapy with levothyroxine (LT4) was initiated, which resulted in the gradual normalization of thyroxine and TSH, followed by restoration of other hormonal axes, and eventually cessation of bleeding.Conclusions: This case presents a rare cause of PP.Hypothyroidism and elevated TSH levels can lead to complex hormonal disturbances affecting the gonadotropin-gonadal axis, including the formation of cystic changes in the ovaries and increased production of E2 and PRL.Thyroid hormone assessment is essential in diagnosing PP.Key words: hypothyroidism, precocious puberty, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), levothyroxine (L-

Fields of Study & Subjects

Thyroid Disorders and Treatments Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism
Volume
32
Issue
1
Pages
65–70
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN