Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in selective human gonadotropin deficiency in adult man: a case report

Acta Biomed. 2008 Dec;79(3):251-4.

Abstract

We report a rare case of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in an adult male (31-year-old), who underwent an endocrinological examination because of erectile dysfunction and suspected infertility. Laboratory data showed isolated gonadotropin deficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit showed no tumoral expansions. The patient was tested with gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gn-RH) (100 microg as an i.v. bolus injection). No significant LH and FSH responses were observed. Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is usually caused by hypothalamic lesions, however, since Gn-RH was unable to stimulate LH and FSH secretions, we supposed that our patient was affected by defective gonadotropin secretion at pituitary level.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Androgens / therapeutic use
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology*
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Gonadotropins, Pituitary / deficiency*
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism* / blood
  • Hypogonadism* / complications
  • Hypogonadism* / diagnosis
  • Hypogonadism* / drug therapy
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Male
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Gonadotropins, Pituitary
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone