Kallmann syndrome

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Disease Overview

Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a condition that causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and an impaired sense of smell. HH affects the production of the hormones needed for sexual development. It is present from birth and is due to deficiency of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). KS is often diagnosed at puberty due to lack of sexual development. It may first be suspected in infancy in males with undescended testicles or a small penis. Symptoms in untreated, adult males may include decreased bone density and muscle mass; small testicles; erectile dysfunction; low sex drive; and infertility. Untreated adult females with KS usually do not have menstrual periods (amenorrhea) and normal, little, or no breast development. Rarely, a person with KS will have failure of kidney development (renal agenesis); hearing impairment; cleft lip or palate; and/or dental abnormalities. Most cases of KS are sporadic (not inherited) but some cases are inherited. The mode of inheritance depends on the gene involved. Treatment includes hormone replacement therapy for sexual development. Fertility can be achieved in most cases.[8396][3297]

When the features of Kallmann syndrome are not accompanied by impaired sense of smell, the condition is referred to as idiopathic or isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, or normosmic isolated GnRH deficiency (IGD).


Synonyms

  • Kallmann's syndrome
  • Anosmic hypogonadism
  • Anosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
  • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia
  • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism-anosmia syndrome
  • Dysplasia olfactogenitalis of De Morsier (formerly)
  • Olfacto-genital pathological sequence

For more information, visit GARD.

National Organization for Rare Disorders