Leprechaunism is caused by an autosomal recessive genetic anomaly believed to be associated with the insulin receptor gene resulting in an endocrine disorder associated with the overdevelopment of the pancreas, insulin resistance (circulating insulin levels > 1,000 μU/ml), and excessive estrogen.
An autosomal recessive disease in which elfin features of the face are accompanied by retardation of physical and mental development, a variety of endocrine disorders, emaciation, and susceptibility to infections.