ANDROSTENEDIONE AROMATIZATION AS A CAUSE OF GYNECOMASTIA IN 11 [Beta]-HYDROXYLASE AND 21-HYDROXYLASE DEFICIENCIES

This paper aims to report two cases of gynecomastia that occurred in boys with 11β-hydroxylase and 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The authors describe the physical findings and summarize the laboratory evaluation and treatment of two cases encountered in our medical practice. Both of the patients (a 4-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy) had extreme virilization and gynecomastia; on laboratory assessment, androstenedione and estrogen levels were high. Treatment with hydrocortisone was recommended. Peripheral conversion of adrenal androgen to estrogen likely caused the feminizing syndrome in these patients.