Endocrinological and phenotype evaluation in a patient with acrodysostosis

Abstract

Acrodysostosis is characterized by distinctive facial features and severe brachydactyly. Mutations in PRKAR1A or PDE4D are known to be responsible for this disease. Cases of hormonal resistance have been reported, particularly in patients with PRKAR1A mutations. The physical characteristics and endocrine function of pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia is known to resemble acrodysostosis. We report the case of a 4-yr-old patient with a PRKAR1A mutation. He had characteristic facies with an upturned nose and cone-shaped epiphyses of most phalanges. These findings have not been reported as extensive for cases of pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia. He also had TSH resistance from birth. We performed endocrinological stimulation tests to further evaluate his endocrine status. These examinations revealed resistance to TSH and PTH, but there was normal secretion of ACTH, GH, and cortisol. An Ellsworth-Howard test resulted in normal urinary cAMP excretion. This response differs from that of pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia. In summary, the constellation of an upturned nose, cone-shaped epiphyses of most if not all phalanges, and PTH resistance with a normal urinary cAMP response may satisfactorily enable clinical diagnosis of acrodysostosis.