# Unique Case Report: A Rare Association of 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency with Triple X Karyotype

**Authors:** Rossana Santiago de Sousa Azulay, Alexandre Nogueira Facundo, Sarah Sousa e Sousa, Gilvan Cortes Nascimento, Marcelo Magalhães, Clariano Pires de Oliveira Neto, Joana D’arc Matos França de Abreu, Débora Cristina Ferreira Lago, Sabrina da Silva Pereira Damianse, Viviane Chaves de Carvalho, Caio Andrade Nascimento, Vandilson Pinheiro Rodrigues, Fernanda Borchers Coeli-Lacchini, Margaret de Castro, Manuel dos Santos Faria

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/genes16030354 · Genes · 2025-03-20

## TL;DR

A 38-year-old woman was found to have a rare combination of 21-hydroxylase deficiency and Triple X syndrome, highlighting the need for detailed clinical evaluations.

## Contribution

This paper reports the first documented case of partial 21-hydroxylase deficiency co-occurring with a Triple X karyotype.

## Key findings

- The patient exhibited premature ovarian failure and hyperandrogenism linked to partial 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
- Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a Triple X karyotype, a rare condition not previously associated with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
- The case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluations for rare genetic co-occurrences.

## Abstract

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) represents a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis in the adrenal glands. Over 90% of CAH cases result from a deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase (21OHD). The clinical spectrum of 21OHD ranges from the severe, life-threatening salt-wasting classic form, often presenting with prenatal virilization in females, to the non-classic (milder) form, which lacks glucocorticoid deficiency. Females with the non-classic form may experience symptoms of hyperandrogenism or infertility later in life, while males with non-classic CAH are often undiagnosed due to the subtler presentation. The coexistence of genetic anomalies and CAH is rarely reported in the literature, particularly in cases involving Triple X syndrome—a condition typically associated with a mild and frequently underdiagnosed clinical course. Case presentation: Here, we present a unique case of a 38-year-old woman with a history of premature ovarian failure and subsequent clinical features of hyperandrogenism. Further investigation revealed a novel association between partial 21OHD and a Triple X karyotype—an association not previously documented in the literature. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential for coexisting rare genetic conditions and underscores the critical importance of thorough and meticulous clinical evaluation.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (MONDO:0015898), 21-hydroxylase deficiency (MONDO:0008728), Triple X syndrome (MONDO:0018066), Premature ovarian failure (MONDO:0001119)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** hyperandrogenism (MESH:D017588), CAH (MESH:D000312), salt-wasting (MESH:D013651), 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency (MESH:C535979), infertility (MESH:D007246), glucocorticoid deficiency (MESH:C565974), Triple X syndrome (MESH:C535318), genetic anomalies (MESH:D020022), autosomal recessive disorders (MESH:D030342), premature ovarian failure (MESH:D016649)
- **Chemicals:** cortisol (MESH:D006854)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

29 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11942218/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11942218