Genetic forms of adrenal insufficiency

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Adrenal Scientific Committee has developed a series of articles to update members on the genetics of adrenal diseases.

Case presentation, discussion of literature, table, and bullet point conclusions.

The genetic mutations associated with several familial causes of adrenal insufficiency have now been identified. The most common ones that will be discussed here include Allgrove syndrome, adrenoleukodystrophy, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), lipoid CAH, and familial glucocorticoid deficiency. Although these diseases most commonly present in childhood, some rarely present in adulthood, and thus all endocrinologists must be familiar with these syndromes. Some patients only develop glucocorticoid deficiency, and others have both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency. These diseases may be associated with other conditions, especially neurologic disease, hypogonadism, or dermatologic problems. Diagnosis is suspected based on clinical presentation and laboratory findings. Gene testing may be necessary for confirmation of a diagnosis and/or screening of family members.

This article briefly reviews the various familial adrenal insufficiency syndromes and the specific associated gene defects.