Pellicci Syndrome

Pellizzi syndrome (also known as epiphyseal virilism) is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by precocious puberty in girls under 8 years of age.

The main symptoms include enlargement of the clitoris, the appearance of pubic and armpit hair, and enlarged mammary glands. Accelerated bone growth and premature closure of the epiphyses are also observed.

The cause of the disease is a tumor of the pituitary gland, which produces an excessive amount of sex hormones (in particular, estrogens), which triggers premature puberty.

Diagnosis is based on analysis of the clinical picture, hormonal studies and imaging of the pituitary gland using MRI.

Treatment involves removal of the pituitary tumor and hormone replacement therapy to suppress precocious puberty. The prognosis is favorable with timely treatment.