Hepatoblastoma presenting as precocious puberty: a case report

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Mar;28(3-4):429-32. doi: 10.1515/jpem-2014-0167.

Abstract

Hepatoblastoma (HB), a primary liver tumor in childhood, is often accompanied by alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) secretion, and sometimes by β-human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (β-hCG) secretion, and this can cause peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). We describe a case of PPP associated with HB. Laboratory tests showed an increase in AFP, β-hCG and testosterone values, and suppression of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. After chemotherapy and surgery, AFP, β-hCG and testosterone levels normalized and signs of virilization did not progress further. The child did not show evidence for tumor recurrence after 16 months of follow-up. New therapeutic approaches and early diagnosis may ensure a better prognosis of virilizing HB, than reported in the past. Assessment of PPP should always take into account the possibility of a tumoral source.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hepatoblastoma / complications
  • Hepatoblastoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hepatoblastoma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Male
  • Puberty, Precocious / complications
  • Puberty, Precocious / diagnostic imaging
  • Puberty, Precocious / pathology*
  • Radiography

Supplementary concepts

  • Familial Testotoxicosis