Abstract
FSH, LH and prolactin (pro) responses to GNRH/TRH testing do not distinguish patients with idiopathic sexual precocity from those with hypothalamic hamartoma. Post-operative GNRH testing however, may be useful in the follow-up of cases due to organic lesions.
A 2 9/12 year old white female with breast development, rapid weight gain and linear growth since age 2 years, and pubic hair growth for 2 months was evaluated. Her height and weight were greater than 95th percentile, with Tanner III breast development, Tanner II pubic hair, and estrogenized vaginal mucosa. Brain CAT scan revealed a hypothalamic mass, and a hypothalamic hamartoma was surgically removed. The results of pre- and post-operative (6 wks) GNRH/TRH testing are as follows:
Six weeks post-operatively, this patient's FSH and LH responses to GNRH were returning towards normal, well in advance of any clinical signs. Post-operative GNRH testing may be a useful tool in following patients with CNS hamartoma after surgery. The exaggerated prolactin response to TRH has been noted in this clinic in other patients with idiopathic precocious puberty. Hochmann et. al. demonstrated GNRH by immunoflourescence in a hypothalamic hamartoma. Exaggerated PRO responses to TRH may be due to GNRH sensitization of lactotrophs.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Marx, B., Moshang, T. GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (GNRH)/THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (TRH) TESTING SECONDARY TO HYPOTHALAMIC HAMARTOMA. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 171 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00469
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00469
