A rare cause of primary amenorrhea: LHCGR gene mutations

Introduction: The luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) plays a critical role in sexual differentiation and reproductive functions in men and women. Inactivating mutations in this gene lead to Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH), and cause disorders of sex development (DSD) in patients with 46,XY. In this study, it was aimed to discuss the clinical, laboratory and molecular genetic analysis results of nine patients with 46,XY karyotype who had mutations in the LHCGR gene.Materials and methods: The ages, complaints, anthropometric measurements and hormonal results (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone) of the patients at the time of admission were recorded retrospectively from their medical records. The mutations in the LHCGR gene were investigated using the Sanger sequencing method.Findings: In this study, LHCGR gene mutations were detected in a total of nine patients as a result of the analysis of the index patients presenting with primary amenorrhea from four different families and the examination of the families. In the first three families with no consanguinity between, the same mutation was detected in seven patients in total (Homozygous c.161 + 4A > G). A different mutation was detected in the fourth family (Homozygous p.A483D c.1448C > A).Conclusion: In this study, nine patients with karyotype 46,XY, most of whom presented with the complaint of delayed puberty/primary amenorrhea, were diagnosed with LCH. Especially in patients, in whom the elevation of LH is pronounced and there is no testosterone synthesis, LCH should be considered.