Human chorionic gonadotropin produced by ectopic pinealoma in a girl with precocious puberty

Abstract

A case is reported in which a human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG-)-producing ectopic pinealoma was found in a 5-year-old girl with precocious puberty. Physical examination revealed abnormal breast enlargement. Endocrinological study disclosed a high plasma HCG concentration of 1192 ng/ml with a normal follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) level. The HCG content of the tumor was as high as 400 ng/mg of acetone dried tissue, but no FSH was detectable. This is the first reported case of precocious puberty associated with pineal tumor in a female.