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Anterior skeletal anatomy
Anterior skeletal anatomy

McCune-Albright syndrome
Definition:
McCune-Albright syndrome is a genetic disease affecting the bones and pigmentation of the skin, which also causes hormonal problems and premature sexual development.

Alternative Names:
Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia; Osteitis fibrosa cystica

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The hallmark of McCune-Albright syndrome is premature puberty in the female. Menstrual periods may begin in early childhood, long before the appearance of breast or pubic hair development, which normally occur first. Early sexual development may also occur in males, but this is not as common as in females.

These children have abnormal fibrous dysplasia (abnormal fibrous development) in the bone that can lead to fractures, deformities, and abnormal x-rays. Abnormal bone growth in the skull can lead to blindness or deafness due to "pinched" nerves. Deformities may appear in the facial bones and cause cosmetic problems. In addition, the children have cafe-au-lait spots on their skin, which may be present from birth.

McCune-Albright syndrome is caused by mutations in the GNAS1 gene. It is associated with mosaicism, meaning that the abnormal gene is present in a fraction, but not all, of the patient's cells. This disease is not inherited, it is sporadic. This means that a new mutation of the DNA occurs in the womb during development of the patient. This mutation is not passed on to any children the patient later has.
Symptoms:
  • Irregular, patchy cafe-au-lait spots, especially on the back
  • Vaginal bleeding (first menstruation) at a very early age
  • Premature puberty
    • early breast development
    • early pubic and armpit hair development
  • Some patients get more broken bones
  • Rarely, a form of gigantism (overgrowth of the body caused by excess hormones)
Signs and tests:
A physical examination may show signs of:

Tests may show signs of hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, excess adrenal hormones, or excess blood prolactin or growth hormone.

X-rays show fibrous dysplasia that affects multiple bones. An MRI of the head may show a type of tumor called an adenoma in the pituitary gland. Genetic testing may be available for the GNAS1 gene.
Treatment:

There is not a specific treatment for McCune-Albright syndrome. Drugs that inhibit estrogen production, such as testolactone, have been tried with some success.

Adrenal abnormalities (such as Cushing's syndrome) may be treated by surgery to remove the adrenal glands. Gigantism and pituitary adenoma will require treatment with hormone inhibitors or surgery.

Expectations (prognosis):
Longevity is relatively normal.
Complications:
  • Repeated episodes of broken bones
  • Cosmetic problems resulting from bone abnormalities
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Tumors
  • Premature puberty
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if your child develops evidence of premature puberty (before the expected age) or has other symptoms suggestive of McCune-Albright syndrome. Genetic counseling, and possibly genetic testing, may be recommended if the disease is diagnosed.
Review Date: 11/8/2002
Reviewed By: David G. Brooks, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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