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Auer MK, Hawley JM, Lottspeich C, Bidlingmaier M, Sappl A, Nowotny HF, Tschaidse L, Treitl M, Reincke M, Keevil BG, Reisch N. 11-Oxygenated androgens are not secreted by the human ovary: in-vivo data from four different cases of hyperandrogenism. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 187:K47-K53. [PMID: 36239921 PMCID: PMC9716487 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Differentiation of an adrenal from an ovarian source of hyperandrogenemia can be challenging. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of 11-oxygenated C19 steroids to the androgen pool in humans. The aim of this study was to confirm the origin of 11-oxygenated androgens in females and to explore their potential use in the diagnostics of hyperandrogenic disorders. METHODS We measured testosterone and its precursors (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and androstenedione) and 11-oxygenated androgens (11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OHA4) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT)) in the periphery, adrenal and ovarian veins in four different cases of hyperandrogenism in females (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor and ovarian steroid cell tumor). RESULTS Two patients demonstrate excessive testosterone secretion in neoplastic ovarian tumors which was not paralleled by a significant secretion of 11-oxygenated androgens as determined by adrenal and ovarian vein sampling. In androgen-secreting bilateral adrenal macronodular hyperplasia, steroid profiles were characterized by elevated 11-KT and 11-OHA4 concentrations in adrenal veins and the periphery. In the patient with PCOS, peripheral 11-KT concentrations were slightly elevated in comparison to the other patients, but the 11-KT and 11-OHA4 concentrations were comparable in ovarian veins and in the periphery. CONCLUSION This study confirms that 11-OHA4 and 11-KT are not biosynthesized by the ovary. We propose that the testosterone/11-KT ratio as well as 11-OHA4 could help identify predominant adrenal androgen excess and distinguish neoplastic and non-neoplastic ovarian androgen source. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study confirms that 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OHA4) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) are not biosynthesized by the human ovary. We propose that the testosterone/11-KT ratio as well as 11-OHA4 could help to identify predominant adrenal androgen excess and distinguish neoplastic and non-neoplastic ovarian androgen source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias K Auer
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - James M Hawley
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Southmoor Rd, Manchester, UK
| | - Christian Lottspeich
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Bidlingmaier
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Sappl
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hanna F Nowotny
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lea Tschaidse
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Treitl
- Department for Radiology, Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology, Trauma Centre Murnau, Germany
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Radiology, Clinical Centre of the University of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Brian G Keevil
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Southmoor Rd, Manchester, UK
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to N Reisch;
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2
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Ni H, Schmidli R, Savkovic S, Strasser SI, Hetherington J, Desai R, Handelsman DJ. Depot Pure GnRH Antagonist for Long-term Treatment of Ovarian Hyperthecosis Monitored by Multisteroid LCMS Profiling. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab167. [PMID: 34877444 PMCID: PMC8645162 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hyperthecosis (OHT), severe hyperandrogenism after menopause in the absence of ovarian or adrenal tumors, is usually treated by surgical excision. We report a 58-year-old woman presenting with severe hyperandrogenism (serum testosterone 15.7-31.0 nmol/L, normal female <1.8 nmol/L) with menopausal gonadotropins and virilization but no adrenal or ovarian lesions. Multisteroid profiling by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) of adrenal and ovarian vein samples identified strong gradients in the left ovarian vein (10- to 30-fold vs peripheral blood in 17OHP4, 17 hydroxyprogesterone, 17 hydroxypregnenolone, androstenedione, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone) but the right ovarian vein could not be cannulated with the same findings in a second ovarian vein cannulation. OHT diagnosis was confirmed by an injection of a depot pure gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (80 mg Degarelix, Ferring) producing a rapid (<24 hour) and complete suppression of ovarian steroidogenesis as well as serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone lasting at least 8 weeks, with reduction in virilization but injection site reaction and flushing and vaginal spotting ameliorated by an estradiol patch. Serum testosterone remained suppressed at 313 days after the first dose despite recovery of menopausal gonadotropins by day 278 days. This illustrates use of multisteroid LCMS profiling for confirmation of the OHT diagnosis by ovarian and adrenal vein sampling and monitoring of treatment by peripheral blood sampling. Injection of a depot pure GnRH antagonist produced rapid and long-term complete suppression of ovarian steroidogenesis maintained over 10 months. Hence a depot pure GnRH antagonist can not only rapidly confirm the OHT diagnosis but also induce long-term remission of severe hyperandrogenism without surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajing Ni
- Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert Schmidli
- Department of Endocrinology, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sasha Savkovic
- Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Simone I Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology & Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie Hetherington
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Department of Andrology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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3
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Goyal A, Malhotra R, Kulshrestha V, Kachhawa G. Severe hyperandrogenism due to ovarian hyperthecosis in a young woman. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12:12/12/e232783. [PMID: 31852694 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperandrogenism is a relatively common clinical problem. However, severe hyperandrogenism causing virilisation is rare. A 27-year-old woman presented with generalised hirsutism, clitoromegaly, breast atrophy and secondary amenorrhoea. She had serum testosterone levels elevated to the adult male range. Administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue resulted in >50% suppression of serum testosterone which was suggestive of luteinising hormone-dependent ovarian hyperandrogenism. Imaging studies of abdomen and pelvis were normal, and ovarian venous sampling failed to show a gradient between the two sides. A presumptive diagnosis of ovarian hyperthecosis was, therefore, considered. Medical treatment with GnRH analogue and combined oral contraceptive pills was initiated to which an excellent clinical and biochemical response was noted. This case highlights a rare presentation of ovarian hyperthecosis in a young woman with severe hyperandrogenism mimicking a virilising neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpesh Goyal
- Endocrinology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rakhi Malhotra
- Endocrinology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Vidushi Kulshrestha
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Garima Kachhawa
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
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4
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Goyal A, Kubihal S, Gupta Y, Jyotsna VP, Khadgawat R. Dynamic Testing for Evaluation of Adrenal and Gonadal Function in Pediatric and Adult Endocrinology: An Overview. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2019; 23:593-601. [PMID: 32042694 PMCID: PMC6987775 DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_553_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic tests are often considered as the backbone of endocrinology. These tests involve the use of an exogenous agent to manipulate the body's hormonal milieu for the diagnosis and characterization of an endocrine disorder. They are especially helpful in the evaluation of certain endocrine conditions, such as disorders of growth and pubertal maturation and disorders of sex development. A great deal of heterogeneity exists across clinicians with regard to the usage, methodology, and interpretation of these tests. This review outlines various dynamic tests used to evaluate adrenal and gonadal function in pediatric and adult endocrinology, along with their clinical application and interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpesh Goyal
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Suraj Kubihal
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Yashdeep Gupta
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Viveka P. Jyotsna
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Khadgawat
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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5
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Bahaeldein E, Brassill MJ. Utilisation of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue to differentiate ovarian from adrenal hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2018; 2018:EDM180084. [PMID: 30481153 PMCID: PMC6280129 DOI: 10.1530/edm-18-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism is a relatively rare diagnosis resulting from excess androgen production from the adrenals or ovaries. The exclusion of malignant causes is a priority. Laboratory tests and imaging are utilised to help differentiate the source of excess androgens. We report two cases of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism in women aged 75 and 67 years. Both cases presented with clinical features suggestive of hyperandrogenism which had developed gradually over the previous 2 years. Laboratory investigations confirmed a significant elevation in their serum testosterone levels. In both cases, imaging did not reveal any abnormality of the adrenals or ovaries. To help differentiate an adrenal vs ovarian source a single-dose GnRH analogue was given with measurement of testosterone and gonadotrophin levels pre and post. The reduction in gonadotrophins achieved by the GnRH analogue resulted in suppression of testosterone levels which suggested an ovarian source. Both patients proceeded to bilateral oophorectomy. Histology revealed a benign hilus cell tumour in one case and a benign Leydig cell tumour in the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bahaeldein
- Endocrinology, South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel, Ireland
| | - M J Brassill
- Endocrinology, South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel, Ireland
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6
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Díaz Trastoy O, Rodríguez Cañete B, Cabezas Agrícola J, Martínez Olmos M, Fraga Blanco P, Seoane Villaverde M, Bouso M, Casanueva F. Tumor de células esteroideas sin otra especificación: reporte de un caso. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN GINECOLOGIA Y OBSTETRICIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gine.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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7
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Moore EK, Padwick ML, Irvine LM. Laparoscopic oophorectomy: a novel means of treatment for virilisation. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2013; 33:909. [PMID: 24219745 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2013.834298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E K Moore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Watford General Hospital , Watford , UK
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8
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Lázaro APP, de Lacerda AM, Ghiaroni J, de Miranda LCD, Vidal APA, Collett-Solberg PF, Michelatto DDP, Mello MP, Guimarães MM. Leydig cell tumour in a 46,XX child with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Horm Res Paediatr 2013; 79:179-84. [PMID: 23445772 DOI: 10.1159/000346899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A 10-year-old male was referred to our institution due to short stature and bilateral cryptorchidism and reported pubic hair development and acne since the age of 4 years. Laboratory and molecular genetic tests indicated congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. After treatment with prednisone, adrenal hormones normalised but testosterone remained elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen due to cryptorchidism revealed uterus and adnexal attachments, a prostate and poorly defined nodules on the iliac chains. Upon exploratory laparotomy, a hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy and resection of a peri-adnexal nodular lesion on the patient's right side were performed. Histopathology of the nodule mass was compatible with a Leydig cell tumour with a low proliferation rate according to Ki67.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Pires Lázaro
- Department of Endocrinology, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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9
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Saraceno G, Barresi V, Trimarchi F, Cannavo S. Occult leydig cell tumour and androgen-receptor positive breast cancer in a woman with severe hyperandrogenism. J Ovarian Res 2013; 6:43. [PMID: 23816265 PMCID: PMC3703298 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-6-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cell tumours represent more than 75% of all testosterone-secreting ovarian masses. These benign tumours are frequently occult or very small, but cause dramatic virilization. Chronic hyperandrogenism can also induce systemic complications, which increase morbidity and mortality risk. One of the most obvious effects of increased testosterone levels is polycythemia, a complication which induces dermatologic, osteoarticular and gastrointestinal manifestations and is associated with increased thrombotic risk. However, scientific literature reports few data concerning etiopathogenesis and management of polycythemia in patients with Leydig cell tumours. Moreover, no data are available about the effect of androgen excess on other concomitant tumours expressing androgen receptors. In this paper we report for the first time the case of a woman, with previous infertility, dramatic virilisation and chronic erythrocytosis, who was affected by an occult Leydig cell tumour and an androgen receptor positive breast cancer. This association gives us the opportunity to discuss the role of the steroid receptor expression of breast cancer in the presence of circulating androgen excess. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that treatment with flutamide (anti-androgen drug) is able to normalize blood cell count and haematocrit, before of achieving the definitive cure of hyperandrogenism by oophorectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Saraceno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Via Consolare Valeria, Messina, 98125, Italy.
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10
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Prassopoulos V, Laspas F, Vlachou F, Efthimiadou R, Gogou L, Andreou J. Leydig cell tumour of the ovary localised with positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Gynecol Endocrinol 2011; 27:837-9. [PMID: 21668318 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2010.521263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen-producing ovarian tumours can lead to assessment difficulties because of their small size. We present a case of virilising steroid cell ovarian tumour in a 41-year-old woman localised with Fluorine-18-Deoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography ((18)FDG-PET/CT). Although the biochemical evaluation pointed to an ovarian source of androgen, diagnostic attempts to localise the source of hyperandrogenism with transvaginal ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pelvis failed. Additional evaluation with (18)FDG-PET/CT showed an increased uptake in the right ovary. A laparoscopic right oophorectomy was performed and histopathology examination revealed a 1.2-cm Leydig cell tumour. The patient showed regression of clinical signs.
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11
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Vollaard ES, van Beek AP, Verburg FAJ, Roos A, Land JA. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment in postmenopausal women with hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:1197-201. [PMID: 21307133 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-1991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The most frequent cause of virilization in postmenopausal women is excessive androgen production of ovarian origin. Bilateral oophorectomy is usually performed, even in cases of benign tumors or hyperthecosis. This is the first report of a case series of long-term GnRH-agonist treatment of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women. OBJECTIVE We present three women with postmenopausal hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin who were treated with GnRH agonists. PATIENTS We describe three cases of postmenopausal women with virilization and hyperandrogenism of presumed ovarian origin, all with slight enlargement of the ovaries but without visualization of a tumor, who had long-term treatment with GnRH agonists. No histological diagnosis was available, and therefore all patients received careful follow-up, including periodic testing of androgen levels and ovarian imaging by computed tomography scans. The three patients responded in different ways to treatment with GnRH agonists. CONCLUSIONS Long-term GnRH agonist treatment is an acceptable choice for treatment of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism in patients where ovarian origin of androgen excess is ascertained, and especially in those patients who have an increased risk for surgery due to comorbidities or who are unwilling to undergo bilateral oophorectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther S Vollaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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12
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Montoya T, Guijarro G, Elvira R, Olivar J. Virilización en una mujer posmenopáusica. Consideraciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 56:422-7. [DOI: 10.1016/s1575-0922(09)72713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Nadeau C, Gibelin H, Breheret J, Fieuzal S, Lefort G, Kraimps JL. [Virilizing ovarian tumors in the menopausal patient]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 145:493-5. [PMID: 19106875 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-7697(08)74664-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Virilizing ovarian tumors are rare and can occur at any age. In postmenopausal women, they commonly present with signs of masculinization. These tumors should be suspected in any patient with virilization and high testosterone levels (>1ng/mL). Tumor localization is sometimes difficult. These tumors are usually benign; surgical resection is the accepted treatment. Masculinizing consequences of hormonal secretions may be managed by cosmetologic treatments which should not be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Nadeau
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique, CHU - Poitiers.
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14
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García E, García-Hierro V, De La Maza L, Alvarez P, Santos E, Pi J, Castillo L, Ruiz E. Hyperandrogenism in a postmenopausal woman. ENDOCRINOLOGIA Y NUTRICION : ORGANO DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ENDOCRINOLOGIA Y NUTRICION 2008; 55:376-378. [PMID: 22975603 DOI: 10.1016/s1575-0922(08)72800-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian androgen hypersecretion is a wellrecognized cause of hirsutism and virilization in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal ovarian hyperthecosis is a nonneoplastic functional disorder, which results from abnormal regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis. We present a patient with postmenopausal hyperandrogenism due to ovarian hyperthecosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena García
- Sección de Endocrinología y Nutrición. Complejo Hospitalario de Burgos. Burgos. España.
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15
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Vaikkakara S, Al-Ozairi E, Lim E, Advani A, Ball SG, James RA, Quinton R. The investigation and management of severe hyperandrogenism pre- and postmenopause: non-tumor disease is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and typically responds to insulin-sensitization with metformin. Gynecol Endocrinol 2008; 24:87-92. [PMID: 18210332 DOI: 10.1080/09513590701807100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An androgen-secreting tumor needs to be excluded in any woman with severe hyperandrogenism. We sought to characterize patients with biochemical hyperandrogenism in respect of tumor versus non-tumor etiologies, explore possible links between non-tumor hyperandrogenism and metabolic syndrome, and ascertain whether metformin therapy can elicit diagnostic reductions in serum testosterone (T). PATIENTS AND METHODS Seven-year retrospective study of all women referred to a university hospital endocrinology service with baseline T >4.0 nmol/l. Dataset comprised age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), presence/absence of hypertension, diabetes, acanthosis or dyslipidemia, along with changes in BMI and serum T following intervention with metformin, oophorectomy or dexamethasone. Non-tumor hyperandrogenism was defined by normalization of serum T or >40% reduction from baseline. RESULTS Four out of 18 cases had adrenal carcinoma that was clinically obvious at initial presentation (one virilized, three Cushingoid). The remaining 14 were characterized by metabolic syndrome (BMI: 39.9 +/- 8.1 kg/m(2)), serum T of 6.14 +/- 1.6 nmol/l, and nadir serum T following intervention of 2.2 +/- 1.04 nmol/l. Diagnostic reductions in serum T occurred in 11/12 patients treated with metformin. CONCLUSIONS Non-tumor hyperandrogenism with markedly elevated serum T and associated metabolic syndrome is a defined clinical entity in postmenopause as well as in premenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This has hitherto been only sparsely documented in the published literature. A fall in serum T level in response to insulin-sensitizing therapy with metformin and lifestyle change may be a reassuring indicator that such women are highly unlikely to harbor an androgen-secreting tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Vaikkakara
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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16
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de Boer H, de Man M, de Bruyn K, van Sorge A. Cetrorelix suppression test to assess the source of androgen overproduction in postmenopausal hirsutism. Eur J Endocrinol 2006; 155:391-3. [PMID: 16914592 DOI: 10.1530/eje.1.02224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED A 75-year-old woman presenting with recent onset hirsutism and severely elevated serum androgen levels was evaluated to assess the source of excessive androgen production. Commonly recommended hormonal stimulation and suppression tests, and the usually employed imaging techniques were non-diagnostic. In this report, we describe a new suppression test based on the use of the GnRH receptor antagonist, cetrorelix, to determine whether androgen production was LH-dependent. Cetrorelix, administered in a daily dose of 250 microg subcutaneously, suppressed serum LH within 24 h and reduced serum androgen levels to normal within 48-72 h, indicating that androgen overproduction was of ovarian origin. This diagnosis was confirmed by laparoscopic ovariectomy. CONCLUSION The cetrorelix suppression test is a simple procedure that provides valuable information regarding the source of androgen excess in postmenopausal hirsutism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans de Boer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
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17
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Di Bisceglie C, Brocato L, Tagliabue M, Bertagna A, Gianotti L, Ghigo E, Manieri C. Acute goserelin administration inhibits gonadotropin and androgen secretion in post-menopausal women with ovarian hyperandrogenism. J Endocrinol Invest 2003; 26:206-10. [PMID: 12809169 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify the effect of goserelin, a GnRH agonist, in women with post-menopausal virilization. Six patients with post-menopausal virilization and increase in 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), total (TT) and free testosterone (FT) levels underwent single subcutaneous administration of goserelin, 3.6 mg. Serum 17-OHP, TT, FT, LH, FSH, E2, delta4 and 3alpha-andro-stanediol glucuronide levels were measured before and 4, 8 and 18 days after goserelin administration. Goserelin administration was followed by progressive inhibition of FSH and LH, which fell to premenopausal levels on day 18, and progressive normalization of androgen parameters. The low E2 levels recorded at baseline were further reduced by goserelin administration. Four patients then underwent ovariectomy while in two patients, rejecting surgical treatment, goserelin treatment was protracted up to 6 and 12 months, respectively, with remission of hyperandrogenism. This study shows that in post-menopausal patients with virilization GnRH agonist allows to confirm the diagnosis of gonadotropin-dependent ovarian hyperandrogenism: its administration induces inhibition of gonadotropin levels, normalization of androgen parameters, and remission of virilization when the treatment is protracted in patients waiting for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Di Bisceglie
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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Stephens JW, Katz JR, McDermott N, MacLean AB, Bouloux PMG. An unusual steroid-producing ovarian tumour: case report. Hum Reprod 2002; 17:1468-71. [PMID: 12042263 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/17.6.1468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid onset of virilization in a post-menopausal woman is usually the result of androgen secretion from a tumour of adrenal or ovarian origin. Androgen secreting neoplasms of the ovary are rare and usually show autonomous secretion. Rarely, these may be driven by the high levels of gonadotrophins seen in the post-menopausal state. We describe the case of a 67-year-old woman with high serum testosterone and estradiol in association with the high gonadotrophin levels usually associated with the post-menopausal state. All hormonal parameters showed a significant suppression over 12 h with administration of the GnRH antagonist, cetrorelix. This observation implies that excess hormone synthesis was of ovarian origin and was gonadotrophin driven. Localization of the tumour was not possible by conventional ultrasound or computerized tomography scanning, but was achieved by venous sampling. Complete cure was achieved by total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with restoration of the endocrine profile to that expected for a post-menopausal woman. Rapidly acting GnRH antagonists, such as cetrorelix, offer a safe and useful diagnostic and therapeutic option in the management of ovarian steroid-secreting tumours, which show gonadotrophin dependency.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Stephens
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University College Hospitals, Mortimer Street, London W1N 8AA, UK.
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