MON-257 Axenfeld Rieger Syndrome: An Uncommon Cause of Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Santini Alberto Javier Grana , Canales Ramos Nicolle M , Burgos Ortega Nydia I , Torres Wilnelia Medina , Castellano Janet Colón , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Loida Alejandra , Alvarado Milliette , Ramirez Margarita 
Published: May 2020

Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) is an autosomal dominant disorder presenting with abnormal eye development, which leads to glaucoma related blindness in 50% of individuals. Associated mutations affect the transcription factors pituitary homeobox 2 gene (PITX2) and forkhead box C1 gene (FOXC1). Three types of ARS have been described. PITX2 mutation causes ARS type I, which is associated to systemic malformations, including dental hypoplasia, redundant periumbilical skin, and growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

This is the case of a 28-year-old male diagnosed with GHD during childhood. He was referred to a pediatric-endocrinologist at age 10 due to short stature. Evaluation showed a height-for-age curve below the 10th percentile. Physical examination with prominent forehead, decrease visual acuity, maxillary hypodontia, umbilical hernia, and delayed sexual maturity. Testing with reduced IGF-1 and delayed bone age. Clonidine GH stimulation confirmed the diagnosis of GDH. He was treated with somatropin, until linear growth decreased to ½ inch per year at age 16. GHD etiology was never established. At age 26, he developed progressive decrease in visual acuity. Ophthalmology evaluation disclosed polycoria, megalocornea and increase intraocular pressure, suggestive of ARS. Patient was referred to our endocrinology clinics for follow up of previous diagnosis of GHD. Based on clinical findings and history, sequence analysis and deletion/duplication testing of FOXC1, PAX6 and PITx2 were performed, with results positive for pathogenic variant PITX2, Exon 5, c.363_364delinsAA. Assessment of pituitary hormone axis was normal, and no persistent GHD found. No family members exhibited clinical signs of ARS.

Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome is a rare genetic disease. PITX homeodomain transcription factors are critical for the development of the anterior segment of the eye and pituitary. Most mutations in PITX2 affect DNA binding and transactivation that leads to defects in cell proliferation and differentiation of the Rathke’s pouch. As a result, GHD may ensue. ARS patients are usually diagnosed during childhood after the development of vision abnormalities. The diagnosis remains primarily clinical upon identification of ocular abnormalities in the iris and cornea, and increased intraocular pressure. Systemic changes are rare findings in ARS, but may include face and tooth abnormalities and isolated growth hormone deficiency. Genetic diagnosis is based on identification of mutations. An adequate management of ARS requires a multidisciplinary approach. Although ophthalmologists usually diagnose this condition, some patients initially present with isolated growth impairment. This may lead to a delay in ophthalmologic evaluation and management. Thus, in patients with GHD of unknown etiology, it is important to have a high index of suspicion of ARS in order to decrease morbidity from vision loss.