Van Wyk-Grumbach syndrome: The importance of thyroid function tests in a child presenting with multicystic ovaries

Van Wyk-Grumbach syndrome (VWGS) is a rare presentation of long-standing hypothyroidism, characterized by delayed bone age, enlarged bilateral multicystic ovaries, and isosexual precocious puberty.

We report here the clinical details of the case of Van Wyk Grumbach Syndrome in an 11-year-old girl who was first presented to the pediatric surgeon for hemoperitoneum. The patient underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy, which showed enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts that were bleeding. She also had severe hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, hyperestrogenism, pituitary adenoma, and delayed bone age. Significant improvement in symptoms was noted after thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

This case highlights that it is crucial to consider thyroid assessment in a patient with multicystic ovaries to avoid misdiagnosis, unnecessary investigations for malignancy and/or surgical intervention, and possible complications.