congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia


con·gen·i·tal vir·i·liz·ing a·dre·nal hy·per·pla·si·a

a series of inherited inborn errors of metabolism with hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex and overproduction of virilizing hormones. Most common forms are due to partial or complete 21-hydroxylase deficiency, leading to increased ACTH production by the pituitary, stimulating adrenal growth and function. The severe virilizing form is characterized by salt loss.