Peripheral precocious puberty in Li-Fraumeni syndrome: a case report and literature review of pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors

Abstract

Introduction: Pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors are a rare but important cause of peripheral precocious puberty.

Case presentation: Here, we report a pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumor in a 2.5-year-old boy presenting with penile enlargement, pubic hair, frequent erections, and rapid linear growth. We confirmed the diagnosis through laboratory tests, medical imaging, and histology. Furthermore, genetic testing detected a pathogenic germline variant in the TP53 gene, molecularly confirming underlying Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Discussion: Only 15 well-documented cases of pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors have been reported so far. No clinical or imaging signs were identified to differentiate adenomas from carcinomas, and no other cases of Li-Fraumeni syndrome were diagnosed in the four patients that underwent genetic testing. However, diagnosing Li-Fraumeni syndrome is important as it implies a need for intensive tumor surveillance and avoidance of ionizing radiation.

Conclusion: In this article, we emphasize the need to screen for TP53 gene variants in children with androgen-producing adrenal adenomas and report an association with arterial hypertension.

Keywords: Hypertension; Li–Fraumeni syndrome; Pediatric endocrinology; Peripheral precocious puberty; Pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumor.