Introduction: Aromatase excess syndrome is a rare disorder with gynecomastia being the main symptoms. Its prevalence is unknown with approximately twenty cases reported. We describe an unusual case of Aromatase excess syndrome. It was diagnosed incidentally at a much older age than expected while evaluating for hypersomnia. Case presentation: A 28 year old male with no significant past medical history, presented with complaint of hypersomnolence, developed during puberty. He had multiple evaluations with no apparent etiology; sleep study and all his other laboratory tests were normal including testosterone levels, normal IGF-1 and cortisol. When patient was evaluated in the Endocrine clinic, he was found to have bilateral gynecomastia, which he had for many years. His estradiol was 150 pg/ml (Normal <50 pg/ml). Repeat was 137 pg/ml with normal DHEA-S Subsequent concomitant estradiol of 204 pg/ml with an estrone of 35.7 pg/ml (9–36). Total testosterone was normal at 588 ng/dl. Evaluation for a tumor with abdominal CT, testicular ultrasound, and HCG was negative. As his symptoms of fatigue and hypersomnolence were not improving and his estradiol to testosterone ratio was >10, he was started on an aromatase inhibitor and his ratio dropped from 1:40 to 1:24, as his estradiol went down to 75 pg/ml. Discussion: Gynecomastia is the benign proliferation of breast tissue due to imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. It could be caused by medications or medical illnesses. Occasionally its presence can harbor a serious endocrine issue especially if presenting in the prepubertal period. Thus, evaluation is often necessary. Among the pathological causes is the Aromatase excess syndrome. In this syndrome there are three types of cryptogenic genomic rearrangements identified. Those rearrangement affect the aromatase gene CYP19 and results in gain of function of the aromatase enzyme. Patients will have high estradiol and estrone level, lower FSH and LH levels that will normalize after treatment with aromatase inhibitor. Their testosterone levels could be low or normal. For the clinical diagnosis, there are four criteria; bilateralgynecomastia, pre or peripubertal onset, exclusion of other causes of gynecomastia and having a genetic trait. The first three criteria are indispensable for diagnosis while fourth one is not obligatory, but rather pathognomonic. An elevated estradiol to testosterone ratio above 1:10 is a supportive finding, as well as having a low FSH with low to normal LH. Genetic identification of the CYP19 A1 mutation remains the definitive method of diagnosis. Our patient met the first three criteria and also had estradiol to testosterone ratio is > 1:10. Genetic confirmation is challenging. Consequently, whole genome sequencing may be required. Though unusual, this case highlights the importance of looking deep in the differential when evaluating gynecomastia.

Introduction: Cushing disease refers to the endogenous overproduction of glucocorticoid due to an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. It is important to recognize and treat due to the adverse health outcomes associated with it. We describe an unusual case of Cushing disease which presented very rapidly and progressively with extremely high cortisol levels mimicking those seen in ectopic production of ACTH.Case Presentation: A 43 year old Caucasian man, with no past medical history, presented with hypertensive crisis. He was discharged home with anti-hypertensive medications. Over the next 4 months, he gained 20 pounds, mainly around his abdomen, developed fatigue, and blood pressure continued to be high despite six anti-hypertensive medications, developed diabetes and hypokalemia, requiring 120 meq/day of potassium chloride. On exam, he had plethora, central obesity and wide, purple striae over his abdomen. Work-up for secondary causes of hypertension showed normal renal Doppler US, normal aldosterone and renin activity, normal plasma metanephrines, however, his 24 hour urinary free cortisol was dramatically elevated at 4022ug/day with a urine volume of 4 L, 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test showed unsuppressed serum cortisol of 55ug/dl. Morning ACTH of 125 pg/ml with concurrent serum cortisol level of 53.8 mcg/dl, indicated ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling indicated a pituitary source of ACTH. Sellar MRI initially did not show a pituitary adenoma, however, repeat MRI with a 3-Tesla magnet showed a 4 mm pituitary adenoma. He was treated with ketoconazole and was started on atovaquone for PCP prophylaxis while awaiting trans-sphenoidal resection, which he had a month later. Pathology showed a 4 mm adenoma which stained strongly for ACTH. On postoperative day 1, serum cortisol dropped to 2.1 from 52.3 mcg/dl, and patient was discharged on hydrocortisone replacement. Three weeks later, he had lost 12 pounds, hyperglycemia improved with discontinuation of insulin, hypokalemia resolved and hypertension was well controlled on two anti-hypertensives. Discussion: ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome is either caused by Cushing disease, or from ectopic ACTH production from a tumor. Cushing disease is characterized by a gradual onset and subtle manifestations of hypercortisolism. Acute, severe presentation favors an ectopic ACTH producing tumor, and is associated with much higher cortisol levels. In our patient, clinical data suggested ectopic ACTH production, yet he was found to have Cushing disease, and was treated successfully with trans-sphenoidal resection of the pituitary adenoma. It is imperative to consider all possibilities, and do the full work up so as not to miss an atypical presentation of Cushing disease, and direct treatment accordingly.