Placental Aromatase Deficiency
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Aromatase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder in which there is a decrease or absence in the level of aromatase in the body which leads to impairment in the conversion of androgens to estrogen. This is due to a genetic mutation in the CYP19A1, a subtype of [P450]. Patient affected by this disease typically presents with maternal virilization, amenorrhea in puberty in females. Males are rarely affected.
Historical Perspective
- The evidence of the disease goes back to year 1991, when the first case of aromatase deficiency occurred in 24year old primigravida and the female fetus showed pseudohermaphroditism.[1]
- Most of the cases were that of women during the third trimester of pregnancy presenting with maternal virilization resulting in hirsutism and acne.
Classification
- There is no established system for the classification of Placental Aromatase Deficency.
Pathophysiology
CYP19A1 gene is responsible for the production of enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens to different forms of estrogen . Estrogen is involved in sexual development in females prior to birth and the levels peak during pregnancy. Mutation in CYP19A1 gene leads to deficiency or absence of activity of aromatase . As a result, there is decrease in production of estrogen due to lack of conversion of androgens to estrogen and increase in testosterone and androstenedione levels. In pregnant women , excess androgens cross the placenta and enter into the maternal circulation leading to virilization. Female fetuses who are affected have ambiguous genitalia while males develop osteoporosis.
Causes
CYP19A1 gene mutation primarily causes Placental Aromatase Deficiency and the placenta is not capable of converting androgenic precursors of estrogen to estradiol. Mutations on exons 3,5 and 9 have been reported. Studies suggest that it is more prevalent in consanguinous marriages and both are heterozygous carriers of the mutation.
Differentiating Any Disease from other Diseases
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can be considered as a differential in female patients. While, in male patients;
- 5 alpha reductase deficiency :The levels of testosterone and estrogen are normal.
- Estrogen resistance syndrome
- 46,XY disorder of sex development due to isolated 17, 20 lyase deficiency
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency
- Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
can be considered as the differentials.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Placental Aromatase Deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. The prevalence is unknown . Approximately 20 cases have been described in the literature.
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Placental aromatase deficiency.
Natural History , Complications and Prognosis
Placental aromatase deficiency is a rare entity.
As a result of defective synthesis of estrogen AD may result in :
- Delayed Puberty
- Insulin resistance
- Polycystic ovarian disorder
- Bone disorders
In patients with Aromatase deficiency lifetime hormone replacement therapy is mandatory. We can see osteoporosis as an outcome in male patients with late diagnosis, and these skeletal defects tend to remain even after hormonal treatment and sometimes require surgical correction. Moreover, the effects on glucose and lipid metabolism like adiposity and reproductive defects such as infertility are also not corrected by estradiol treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
The diagnosis of [disease name] is made when at least [number] of the following [number] diagnostic criteria are met: [criterion 1], [criterion 2], [criterion 3], and [criterion 4].
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History and Symptoms
The majority of patients with [disease name] are asymptomatic.
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Physical Examination
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Laboratory Findings
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Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of [disease name] include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
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Electrocardiogram
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An ECG may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an ECG suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
X-ray
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Echocardiography or Ultrasound
There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with [disease name].
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Echocardiography/ultrasound may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an echocardiography/ultrasound suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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CT scan
There are no CT scan findings associated with [disease name].
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[Location] CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on CT scan suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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There are no CT scan findings associated with [disease name]. However, a CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
MRI
There are no MRI findings associated with [disease name].
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[Location] MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on MRI suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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There are no MRI findings associated with [disease name]. However, a MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
Other Imaging Findings
There are no other imaging findings associated with [disease name].
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[Imaging modality] may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an [imaging modality] suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
Other Diagnostic Studies
There are no other diagnostic studies associated with [disease name].
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[Diagnostic study] may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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Treatment
Reference
- ↑ Shozu M, Akasofu K, Harada T, Kubota Y (1991). "A new cause of female pseudohermaphroditism: placental aromatase deficiency". J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 72 (3): 560–6. doi:10.1210/jcem-72-3-560. PMID 1825497.