Kocher–Debre–Semelaigne syndrome

Kocher–Debre–Semelaigne syndrome
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Muscle hypertrophy, hypothyroidism
Complications
Onset	Childhood
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Congenital or acquired hypothyroidism
Risks
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, thyroid function tests
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Kocher–Debre–Semelaigne syndrome is a rare condition characterized by muscle hypertrophy and hypothyroidism in children. It is named after the Swiss surgeon Emil Theodor Kocher and the French physicians Robert Debré and Georges Semelaigne.

Pathophysiology

Kocher–Debre–Semelaigne syndrome is primarily associated with hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. These hormones are crucial for normal growth and development, particularly in children. The deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to various metabolic and developmental abnormalities.

In this syndrome, the lack of thyroid hormones results in muscle hypertrophy, particularly in the calves, giving the appearance of muscular strength despite the presence of muscle weakness. This paradoxical muscle enlargement is due to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans and increased connective tissue in the muscles.

Clinical Features

The hallmark features of Kocher–Debre–Semelaigne syndrome include:

• Muscle Hypertrophy: Most notably in the calves, but can also affect other muscle groups.
• Hypothyroidism Symptoms: These may include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and delayed growth and development.
• Neurological Symptoms: In some cases, there may be delayed motor milestones and intellectual disability.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Kocher–Debre–Semelaigne syndrome is based on clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include:

• Clinical Examination: Observation of muscle hypertrophy and signs of hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid Function Tests: Measurement of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) levels to confirm hypothyroidism.
• Imaging and Biopsy: In some cases, muscle biopsy may be performed to assess the histological changes in muscle tissue.

Treatment

The primary treatment for Kocher–Debre–Semelaigne syndrome is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This involves the administration of synthetic thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, to normalize thyroid hormone levels and alleviate symptoms.

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good, and many symptoms, including muscle hypertrophy, may improve over time.

History

The syndrome was first described by Emil Theodor Kocher in the late 19th century and later detailed by Robert Debré and Georges Semelaigne in the early 20th century. Their work highlighted the association between hypothyroidism and muscle hypertrophy in children.

Also see

• Hypothyroidism
• Thyroid hormone
• Cretinism
• Thyroid function tests