Kallmann Syndrome and Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism 

Classic Kallmann syndrome (KS) and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) are rare genetic conditions that encompass the spectrum of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Most patients have gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency, as suggested by their response to pulsatile GnRH therapy. Hypothalamic-pituitary function is otherwise normal in most patients, and hypothalamic-pituitary imaging reveals no space-occupying lesions. By definition, either anosmia (lack of sense of smell) or severe hyposmia is present in patients with Kallmann syndrome, in contrast to patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, whose sense of smell is normal.

Deficient hypothalamic GnRH secretion underlies the markedly abnormal gonadotropin secretion patterns in most patients with Kallmann syndrome or idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The result is hypogonadism; infertility; and absent, incomplete, or partial pubertal maturation.

Some of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of Kallmann syndrome and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism have been identified. However, the genes involved remain unidentified in over 50% of patients.

Mutations of the KAL1 gene, which encodes a putative neural cell adhesion molecule, have been described in several patients with X-linked Kallmann syndrome. In these patients, GnRH deficiency and anosmia are believed to be secondary to abnormalities of neuronal migration during development.

Loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) have been described in patients with autosomal dominant Kallmann syndrome.^[1] Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding FGFR1 have also been described in individuals with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, normal smell sense, and normal MRI of the olfactory system.^[2]

Recently, mutations of the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor 8 have been found in a small minority of patients with autosomal dominant Kallman syndrome. In addition, mutations of the gene encoding chromodomain-helicase DNA-binding protein 7 have been found in some patients with Kallman syndrome or idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Loss-of-function mutations of critical components of the prokineticin pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Kallmann syndrome and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.^{[3, 4]} Specifically, homozygous mutations of prokineticin 2 were found in 2 brothers with Kallmann syndrome and in their sister, who had idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.^[5] Homozygous, heterozygous or compound heterozygous mutations of the prokineticin receptor 2 have also been associated with Kallmann syndrome.^[6] Digenic inheritance has been suggested in an individual carrying heterozygous mutations of prokineticin receptor 2 and KAL1.^{[6, 7]}

Mutations of the DAX1 gene, which encodes a nuclear transcription factor, lead to X-linked idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC).^[8] Mutations of genes encoding either leptin or the leptin receptor underlie isolated cases of autosomally transmitted idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with early-onset obesity.^[9] Several loss-of-function mutations of the GnRH receptor gene leading to GnRH resistance and autosomally transmitted hypogonadotropic hypogonadism have been described.^[10]

Rarely, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism occurs as a result of isolated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) deficiency due to homozygous mutations in the FSH beta subunit gene. In one patient, isolated bioinactive luteinizing hormone (LH) was present as a result of a homozygous mutation in the LH beta subunit gene, which prevented binding of LH to its receptor. This patient presented with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, despite high levels of immunoreactive serum LH. A second patient had a different homozygous mutation in the LH beta subunit gene that prevented LH heterodimerization and secretion. He presented with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and undetectable serum LH.

In another patient, a mutation in the prohormone convertase gene (PC1) led to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, in addition to extreme obesity, hypocortisolemia, and deficient conversion of proinsulin to insulin.

Homozygous mutations in GPR54, a gene encoding a G protein–coupled receptor, which binds kisspeptin 1, have been reported as a cause of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.^[11] Kisspeptin 1 and its receptor have an important role in the regulation of gonadotropin releasing hormone and the onset of puberty.^{[12, 13]}

Homozygous mutations in the genes encoding neurokinin B (TAC3) or its receptor (TACR3) have also been described in some patients with autosomal recessive idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Heterozygous missense mutations of the human nasal embryonic LHRH factor (NELF) gene have been associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.^[14]

Frequency

International

The prevalence of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was approximately 1 in 10,000 men in a study of French conscripts.^[15] A study of Sardinian military recruits reports the prevalence of hypogonadism associated with anosmia (Kallmann syndrome) as 1 in 86,000 men.^[16] Methodological limitations of case ascertainment by medical record review should be kept in mind when interpreting these findings.

Mortality/Morbidity

• Associated complications affect the patient's quality of life and his/her survival.
• Patients with Kallmann syndrome and those with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism survive long term if they do not have associated conditions such as congenital heart disease or neurologic manifestations.
• Adrenocortical insufficiency is fatal unless recognized and treated. Thyroid function must also be assessed. In patients who do not receive adequate gonadal steroid replacement, hypogonadal osteoporosis may develop insidiously.

Sex

• The male-to-female ratio ranges from 4:1 to 5:1.
• The male-to-female ratio is approximately 2.5:1 among strictly familial Kallmann syndrome and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism cases.

Age

• Classic Kallmann syndrome and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism are both congenital disorders.
• Adult-onset or acquired idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism has recently been described in men aged 30-50 years.
• Hypothalamic amenorrhea represents an acquired form of GnRH deficiency that occurs predominantly among young women and may be associated with excessive exercise, extreme weight loss, or psychogenic stress. This may occur particularly in patients with anorexia nervosa.