[Isolated gonadotropin deficiency and secretory discrepancy of cortisol and adrenal androgen by hemochromatosis secondary to congenital dyserythropoietic anemia].

Abstract

A 37-yr-old woman was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis and primary amenorrhea. Serological and hematological examinations revealed that she suffered from hemochromatosis secondary to congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA), characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and erythropoietic dysplasia. Iron deposition was suggested by MRI on the pancreas, liver and pituitary gland. Endocrinological examinations demonstrated that she had isolated gonadotropin deficiency and ovarian failure, resulting in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In addition, despite normal responses of serum cortisol and plasma aldosterone to ACTH and furosemide-standing tests, respectively, serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) responded poorly to ACTH test, suggesting selective damage of zona reticularis in adrenocortical steroidogenesis in association with hemochromatosis.