Hypoxia-associated genetic signature in ovarian steroid cell tumor NOS

Steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified (SCT-NOS), are uncommon ovarian neoplasms accompanied by virilization symptoms due to hyperandrogenism, which are malignant in approximately one-third of the cases. Given the rarity of SCT-NOS, their molecular underpinnings have not yet been studied in depth. In this case series, we performed the first comprehensive analysis of the genetic landscape of this rare ovarian tumor. A detailed clinicopathological description of an index case is also provided. Over a 20-year period, a total of eight patients were seen at our institution. Total nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) were extracted from evaluable formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens (n = 7) and subjected to TruSight Oncology 500 testing and/or exome sequencing. The results identified pathogenic variants in several hypoxia-related genes - including HIF1A, VHL, SDHB, SRC, IDH2, and FOXO4. As the first comprehensive genetic analysis of SCT-NOS, this study shows that dysregulation in the hypoxia signaling pathway is a key molecular feature of this rare tumor. Clinically, long-term follow-up with periodic measurements of androgen levels should be pursued in all cases since recurrences may occur several years after the initial diagnosis.

Sertoli-Leydig cell ovarian tumour: a rare cause of virilisation and androgenic alopecia

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours (SLCTs) represent a rare cause of hyperandrogenic state. SLCTs are sex cord ovarian neoplasms, accounting for <0.2% of all ovarian tumours. Most of the sex cord-stromal tumours have a benign clinical course, with 10%-20% of them at risk of aggressive course. We report a case of a woman in her 30s who presented with androgenic alopecia, virilisation and secondary amenorrhoea. The evaluation revealed an extremely high testosterone level. Imaging for the localisation of source of excess testosterone with contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen revealed a right ovarian mass. Hence, a diagnosis of testosterone-secreting ovarian tumour was considered. The patient underwent right salphingo-oophorectomy, and histopathology was reported as Sertoli cell tumour. Postoperatively, there was normalisation of serum testosterone levels with decrease in virilisation and resumption of spontaneous menstrual cycles. The patient conceived spontaneously after 2 months of surgery.

Ovarian steroid cell tumour inducing virilisation in a postmenopausal woman

Hyperandrogenism with virilisation de novo in postmenopausal women is exceedingly rare, with aetiology oscillating between ovarian tumours, adrenal tumours, ovarian hyperthecosis and, less frequently, Cushing's syndrome. We report a case of a postmenopausal woman in her late 60s, referred from her primary healthcare physician to a gynaecology appointment due to hirsutism and vasomotor symptoms. At physical examination, clitoromegaly was also identified. Blood tests revealed severe hyperandrogenemia, with total testosterone above 200 ng/dL, but transvaginal ultrasound and abdominal CT were unremarkable. Three months later, abdominal CT was repeated, revealing a moderate heterogeneous enhancement with 18 mm on the left ovary, which was confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy was performed. Histopathological examination reported an ovarian steroid cell tumour not otherwise specified on the left ovary and bilateral ovarian hyperthecosis. Two months later, the patient had normal total testosterone and the hirsutism complaints were completely absent.

Bilateral Adrenocortical Adenomas along with Virilization and Cushing's Syndrome

We herein present the case of a 27-year-old woman with clinical and biochemical features of virilism. Imaging studies revealed the presence of a bilateral adrenal tumor. Although the secretion of androgens was remarkable, the autonomous production of cortisol was also evident because of a loss of circadian rhythm and the absence of cortisol suppression by dexamethasone. The surgical excision of both adrenal tumors was performed, and the histological examination showed no malignancy. We also report the successful pregnancy and delivery of the patient who showed evolving adrenocortical insufficiency along with virilization and Cushing's syndrome and who continued to receive glucocorticoid replacement therapy during pregnancy.

Recurrent maternal virilization during pregnancy in patients with PCOS: two clinical cases

BACKGROUND

Maternal virilization during pregnancy is a rare phenomenon. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), luteoma and luteinic cysts are the most frequent and benign etiologies. This article presents two cases of recurrent maternal virilization during pregnancy.

CLINICAL CASES

Our reported cases were young women with Afro-Caribbean and Nigerian origins. Data were collected by history-taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, transabdominal ultrasonographic examination and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Both patients were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. During each of their pregnancies they both developed an explosive hirsutism, a deepening in the voice, a clitoromegaly. Gestational diabetes occurred during pregnancies. There was no fetal virilization, despite raising androgen levels, more than tenfold to normal. Improvement of hirsutism and normalization of androgens were described in postpartum.

CONCLUSION

Only few cases of maternal virilization during pregnancy were reported in literature and even fewer concern recurrent and bilateral ovarian etiology. Hyperplasia of ovarian theca cells seems to be the most likely explanation, which would suggest that PCOS belongs to a spectrum of abnormal reactivity of the ovary to human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) stimulation along with luteoma and luteinic cyst of pregnancy.  Insulin resistance could worsen hyperandrogenism but is not enough to explain virilization. Treatment should focus on protecting the fetus of possible virilization as well as its mother, but also on preserving the subsequent fertility in both.

Ontogeny and reversal of brain circuit abnormalities in a preclinical model of PCOS

Androgen excess is a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent yet poorly understood endocrine disorder. Evidence from women and preclinical animal models suggests that elevated perinatal androgens can elicit PCOS onset in adulthood, implying androgen actions in both PCOS ontogeny and adult pathophysiology. Prenatally androgenized (PNA) mice exhibit a robust increase of progesterone-sensitive GABAergic inputs to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons implicated in the pathogenesis of PCOS. It is unclear when altered GABAergic wiring develops in the brain, and whether these central abnormalities are dependent upon adult androgen excess. Using GnRH-GFP-transgenic mice, we determined that increased GABA input to GnRH neurons occurs prior to androgen excess and the manifestation of reproductive impairments in PNA mice. These data suggest that brain circuit abnormalities precede the postpubertal development of PCOS traits. Despite the apparent developmental programming of circuit abnormalities, long-term blockade of androgen receptor signaling from early adulthood rescued normal GABAergic wiring onto GnRH neurons, improved ovarian morphology, and restored reproductive cycles in PNA mice. Therefore, androgen excess maintains changes in female brain wiring linked to PCOS features and the blockade of androgen receptor signaling reverses both the central and peripheral PNA-induced PCOS phenotype.

Variation in the clinical and genetic evaluation of undervirilized boys with bifid scrotum and hypospadias

BACKGROUND

Bifid scrotum and hypospadias can be signs of undervirilization, yet boys presenting with these findings often do not undergo genetic evaluation. In some cases, identifying an underlying genetic diagnosis can help to optimize clinical care and improve guidance given to patients and families.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to characterize current practice for genetic evaluation of patients with bifid scrotum, and to identify approaches with a good diagnostic yield.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the Boston Children's Hospital electronic medical records (1993-2015) was conducted using the search term "bifid scrotum" and clinical data were extracted. Data were abstracted into a REDCap database for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, SAS, and Excel software.

RESULTS

The search identified 110 subjects evaluated in the Urology and/or Endocrinology clinics for bifid scrotum. Genetic testing (including karyotype, microarray, or targeted testing) was performed on 64% of the subjects with bifid scrotum; of those tested, 23% (15% of the total cohort of 110 subjects) received a confirmed genetic diagnosis. Karyotype analysis, when performed, led to a diagnosis in 17% of patients. Of the ten instances when androgen receptor gene sequencing was performed, a pathogenic mutation was identified 20% of the time.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the majority of individuals with moderate undervirilization resulting in bifid scrotum do not receive a genetic diagnosis. Over a third of the analyzed subjects did not have any genetic testing, even though karyotype analysis and androgen receptor (AR) sequencing were both relatively high yield for identifying a genetic etiology. Increased utilization of traditional genetic approaches could significantly improve the ability to find a genetic diagnosis.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia, affecting up to 80% of men and 50% of women in the course of their life. AGA is caused by a progressive reduction in the diameter, length and pigmentation of the hair. Hair thinning results from the effects of the testosterone metabolite dehydrotestosterone (DHT) on androgen-sensitive hair follicles. In women, AGA produces diffuse thinning of the crown region with maintenance of the frontal hairline (Ludwig pattern AGA). In premenopausal women, AGA can be a sign of hyperandrogenism, together with hirsutism and acnes. Male pattern is characterized by bitemporal recession of the frontal hairline, followed by diffuse thinning at the vertex. Today, scalp dermoscopy is used routinely in patients with androgenetic alopecia, as it facilitates the diagnosis and differential diagnosis with other diseases, allows staging of severity, and allows you to monitor the progress of the disease in time and response to treatment. AGA is a progressive disease that tends to worsen with time. Medical treatment of AGA includes topical minoxidil, antiandrogen agents, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Voice problems due to virilization in adult women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

OBJECTIVE

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder in which the lack of 21-hydroxylase results in cortisol and aldosterone insufficiency and an overproduction of adrenal androgens. High levels of androgens in women may cause virilization of the larynx and a masculine voice. The purpose of the present study was to investigate subjective voice problems due to virilization in women with CAH.

DESIGN/PATIENTS

Participants were 42 women with CAH between 25 and 71 years of age, and 43 age-matched female healthy control subjects. All patients, but two, were in good disease control.

MEASUREMENTS

A validated Swedish version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and questions related to voice virilization were used. Endocrine data were obtained from medical files.

RESULTS

Patients scored significantly higher on VHI when the results were divided into no/mild, moderate and severe voice handicap as compared with the control subjects. They rated significantly higher for 'dark voice' and for 'being perceived as a man on the phone' compared with controls. Seven per cent of the women with CAH had voice problems clearly related to voice virilization. High ratings of dark voice were significantly associated with long periods of under-treatment with glucocorticoids and higher bone mineral density but not with severity of mutation.

CONCLUSION

Subjective voice problems due to voice virilization may occur in women with CAH. This further emphasizes the importance of avoiding long periods of increased androgen levels to prevent irreversible voice changes. For these patients, we recommend referral to voice assessment and treatment.

Evidence for masculinization of adipokine gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

CONTEXT

Sex hormones, particularly androgens, may influence not only adipose tissue distribution but also its functions.

OBJECTIVE

We explored the possibility of sexual dimorphism in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle function.

DESIGN

This was a case-control study.

SETTING

The setting was an academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were severely obese men (n = 7), control women (n = 7), and hyperandrogenic women presenting with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n = 7) submitting to bariatric surgery and an independent series of 40 patients with PCOS and 40 control women matched for age and body mass index.

INTERVENTIONS

Samples of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and skeletal muscle were obtained during bariatric surgery in severely obese subjects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Gene expression of chemerin, lipocalin-2, and omentin-1 in tissue samples was measured. We analyzed the effects of PCOS and obesity on serum concentrations of these adipokines in the larger series of women with PCOS and in control women.

RESULTS

Expression of chemerin and lipocalin-2 was higher in VAT than in SAT in men and women with PCOS; the opposite was observed in control women. Omentin-1 expression was higher in VAT than in SAT in the three groups. No differences were observed in the skeletal muscle expression of these adipokines. Obesity increased serum chemerin and lipocalin-2 levels and tended to decrease omentin-1, irrespective of PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that there is sexual dimorphism in some adipose tissue functions and that this dimorphism may be related to differences in androgen concentrations because women with PCOS show a masculinized pattern of expression of some adipokines.

Female pseudohermaphroditism associated with maternal steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified of the ovary: a case report and literature review

Maternal virilization in pregnancy with or without fetal female pseudohermaphroditism has several etiologies. Of these, pregnancy luteoma is the most common cause of maternal virilization during pregnancy, and approximately 20 cases have been reported in recent years. Moreover, four cases of pregnancy luteomas with female pseudohermaphroditism have been reported. However, the extremely rare steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified (NOS), has been reported only once as a cause for maternal virilization. Herein, the authors report the first case of maternal virilization with female pseudohermaphroditism associated with steroid cell tumor-NOS along with the clinical course, pathological features, and a review of the literature.

Clinical, ultrasonographic, computed tomography and histopathological manifestations of ovarian steroid cell tumour, not otherwise specified: our experience of a rare case with female virilisation and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian steroid cell tumours, not otherwise specified (NOS) are rare sex cord-stromal tumours of the ovary. These tumours should be considered a cause of isosexual precocious puberty in children and virilisation in adults.

CASE

We report a case of 40-year-old woman with mental handicap who presented with 3 years of amenorrhea and progressive virilisation. Pelvic ultrasonography identified a 6.19 × 6.15 cm well-defined echogenic-multilobular mass arising from the left ovary. Fluid in the cul-de-sac was noted. Colour Doppler examination with endovaginal ultrasonography showed high vascularity of the tumour with low resistance to flow. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the upper and lower abdomen showed a lobular mass with diaphragms in the left adnexal structure and fluid in the cul-de-sac; no adrenal gland enlargement or additional tumour was detected. Laboratory analysis revealed increased levels of serum total testosterone. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Histological examination showed a benign steroid cell tumour, NOS without evidence of necrosis, haemorrhage or invasion. The immunohistochemical study showed that the tumour cells were positive for inhibin, CD 99, Melan A and vimentin and negative to CK AE1, CK AE3, progesterone and estrogen receptors.

CONCLUSION

Careful medical history, physical examination, laboratory serum values and imaging studies are helpful in making the pre-operative diagnosis. Steroid cell tumours, NOS are usually benign, unilateral and characterised by the composition of two similar-appearing polygonal cell types. They differ from Leydig cell tumours in the lack of crystals of Reinke in their cytoplasm.

Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia with virilisation and salt-wasting: from birth to the adult life

AIM

Our objective was to show the way the classic CAH presents after birth as a severe condition and develops to the adult life, effecting growth, height and weight, appearance, fertility, relationships and quality of life.

CASE

We report the case of a 23-years-old female with the classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) from birth, diagnosed due to genital pigmentation, clitoromegaly and salt-wasting crisis, treated with glucocorticoid replacement (hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone and NaCI), followed by genital surgery, until the adult life when she continues treatment with fludrocortisone and prednisolone.

CONCLUSION

A treatment challenge is to effectively control the excess androgen symptoms by using the lowest possible glucocorticoid dose. Patients well-being can be accomplished by team work, adapted therapy, continues follow-up and patient's compliance (Ref. 15).

Ovarian Leydig cell tumor in a peri-menopausal woman with severe hyperandrogenism and virilization

The authors report a case of Leydig cell tumor in a 46-year-old woman who first presented with severe clinical hyperandrogenism and associated complex medical history. Investigations revealed markedly raised serum concentrations of testosterone (28.3 nmol/l) and free androgen index (54.4), whereas sex hormone binding globulin, random cortisol, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations were all within the normal range. Transabdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan of the pelvis and abdomen showed a slightly bulky right ovary, but no other abnormalities. An ovarian source of androgens was suspected and surgery was arranged. Following a three-year history of defaulting appointments due to agoraphobia, she underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and intraoperative selective ovarian venous sampling. Histopathological examination revealed a 2 cm Leydig cell tumor within the right ovary. Successful intraoperative ovarian venous sampling demonstrated significantly elevated testosterone levels (>260 nmol/l) from the right ovarian vein. Hyperandrogenaemia normalized post-operatively. The patient showed significant regression of clinical signs and symptoms, including the anxiety disorder. Clinical presentation, biochemistry and imaging modalities should allow to detect androgen-secreting ovarian tumors, while selective venous sampling should be reserved for patients whom uncertainty remains. The present case confirms that androgen-secreting ovarian tumors represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. They have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe hyperandrogenism even in peri-menopausal women. Although selective venous sampling is of diagnostic value, however, its impact on future management should be considered on individual basis.

Y chromosome sequences in Turner's syndrome: association with virilization and gonadoblastoma

The presence of Y chromosome fragments in patients with Turner's syndrome is known to increase the risk of gonadoblastoma and virilization. Y chromosome material is detected in up to 6% of patients with Turner's syndrome by karyotype. By DNA analysis, Y chromosome sequences have been reported in 0-60% of patients. The putative gonadoblastoma gene has been mapped to the pericentromeric region of the Y chromosome increasing the interest in studying these sequences.

AIMS

1. To determine the frequency of occult Y chromosome sequences in patients with Turner's syndrome. 2. To analyze the clinical implications of Y sequences detected by karyotype and occult Y sequences.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of 58 patients with Turner's syndrome (30 45,X; two with structural anomalies; 26 mosaic [two of whom were 45,X/46,XY]). SRY, TSPY and DYZ3 sequences were amplified by PCR using genomic DNA from peripheral blood.

RESULTS

All three Y chromosome sequences were found in one out of 56 patients whose karyotype was not suggestive of having Y chromosome material and in one patient with 45,X/46,Xr(X) karyotype. The patients with the ring chromosome and 45,X/46,XY karyotype underwent surgery and were found to have a gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma. The four patients with Y chromosome material had non-virilized female genitalia.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis by PCR was more sensitive in detecting Y chromosome sequences than conventional karyotype. The presence of Y material was not associated with virilization. We confirmed the association of Y fragments and gonadoblastoma at an early age.

[Androblastoma in a female patient with the signs of virility: a clinical-morphological and genetic study]

We report a case of 24 year old patient with secondary amenorrhea, virilization and elevated serum testosterone concentration, in which cystic-solid tumor in right ovary was found. Surgical treatment was applied--adnexectomy. Histopathologic examination supported suspicion of androblastoma. After treatment regulation of menses and serum testosterone level was obtained.

Neuroendocrine differentiation and nerves in human adrenal cortex and cortical lesions

Neuroendocrine differentiation and nerve distribution were studied in sections from human cortex (n=11) and cortical lesions (hyperplasias, n=9; adenomas, n=13; carcinomas, n=14) with four markers, namely chromogranin A(CgA), synaptophysin (SYN), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and small synaptic vesicle protein (SV)2. All but two cases expressed neuroendocrine differentiation. NSE was the most commonly occurring marker and the NSE immunoreactive cells were detected in normal cortex, mainly in zona glomerulosa, as well as in adenomas and carcinomas. SYN and PGP 9.5 immunoreactive cells were especially prominent in the carcinomas, while SV2 immunoreactive cells were seen mainly in normal cortex. The difference in distribution pattern of the neuroendocrine markers between adenomas and carcinomas was not so distinct that it can be used for histopathological diagnosis. The significance of neuroendocrine differentiation in cortex and cortical lesions is uncertain, but may reflect an involvement in special hormonal functions. No obvious relationship was found between the clinical syndromes and the degree of neuroendocrine differentiation. Three of the neuroendocrine markers also visualized nerve structures. PGP 9.5, which is regarded as the most 'general' nerve marker, visualized more nerve structures than did the other markers. Normal cortex contained most immunoreactive nerves, whereas they were less numerous in hyperplasias and sparse or even absent in the neoplasms. The nerves appeared among the parenchymal cells but were particularly prominent around vessels. The results suggest that the cortical nerves influence not only the regulation of the blood supply but also the hormonal regulation at the cellular level.

Recurrent maternal virilization during pregnancy associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

Maternal virilization in pregnancy is associated, in most benign cases, with luteoma of pregnancy and hyperreactio luteinalis. Only a few reports relate this phenomenon to hyperthecosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A case of recurrent maternal virilization during two consecutive pregnancies in a patient with PCOS is presented. In both pregnancies, the deepening of her voice, facial hirsutism and scalp hair loss began at the end of the first trimester and regressed 3-4 months post-partum. The patient underwent ovarian venous catheterization, and androgen secretion from both ovaries was found to be markedly high but similar, therefore ruling out an ovarian androgen-secreting tumour. Reviewing the English literature of similar cases, we found reports of only seven cases of maternal virilization during pregnancy associated with PCOS. Here, we present a case of recurrent maternal virilization in pregnancy associated with PCOS.

[Clinical treatment results of treating androgenization symptoms in women with preparation Diane-35]

26 women with androgenization: hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, aged 18-30 were treated with Diane 35 during at least 12 cycles. In investigated group of patients acne was in remission in 82.4% after 3 cycles, seborrhea was reduced in 85.5% after 3 cycles and in 96.2% after 6 cycles. Hirsutism was reduced only in 19.2% women after 12 cycles. Diane 35 was well tolerated and effective in contraception all investigated women.

Testosterone/epitestosterone ratio in urine: a possible diagnostic tool in the disclosure of exogenous testosterone administration

A 37-year-old woman presented with a history of secondary amenorrhoea and hirsutism for 4 years. She had elevated serum levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and decreased serum levels of sex hormone binding globulin and oestradiol. Almost daily use of a testosterone-containing ointment in the vulvar region for 6 years was disclosed as the cause of the hyperandrogenism. Serum testosterone, testosterone excretion rate in urine and testosterone/epitestosterone ratio in urine were determined at fixed intervals 24 h before and 48 h after application of the testosterone-containing ointment. There was a rapid increase in serum testosterone, with a peak level after 4-6 h. The testosterone excretion rate and the testosterone/epitestosterone ratio in urine peaked after 2-4 h. After 48 h the serum testosterone level was still about twice the basal value. The testosterone/epitestosterone level was over the 'doping limit' of 6 for 28 h. We conclude that determination of the testosterone/epitestosterone ratio in urine would have disclosed exogenous testosterone administration in this patient. We recommend this test for patients in whom exogenous testosterone administration is suspected.

ACP Broadsheet 131: March 1992. Hirsute women: should they be investigated?

Should hirsute women be investigated? Most only need careful clinical evaluation. First, they need to be examined to determine whether they are hirsute or hypertrichotic, and for the degree of hair growth to assess the most appropriate form of treatment. Second, they need to be clinically evaluated for signs and symptoms of virilism to determine the extent of investigation needed. If virilism is absent laboratory investigation need only be minimal. As most hirsute women will have mild ovarian hyperandrogenism they will only require the appropriate tests for polycystic ovaries, and only those women who are virilised will need intensive investigation. The approach described is considered minimalist by some; but unless a tumour is diagnosed, anti-androgen treatment will only be offered to those with severe hirsutism who want treatment. Anti-androgens will be prescribed because (i) current medical treatment is insufficiently specific to require accurate localisation of the source of excess androgen and (ii) because anti-androgens are more effective at reducing hair growth than hydrocortisone, even in late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

46,XX pure gonadal dysgenesis with growth hormone deficiency and impaired 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity

Patients with 46,XX pure gonadal dysgenesis generally are of normal stature and have less than usual amounts of pubic and axillary hair. We report on a patient who presented at age 11.9 years with short stature, absence of breast development, and excessive pubic hair. Her karyotype in leukocytes, fibroblasts, and streak gonad was 46,XX. The patient was diagnosed as having growth hormone deficiency. Elevated ACTH stimulated levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone and elevated ACTH stimulated ratio of 17-hydroxypregnenolone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone suggested inadequate adrenal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Treatment with growth hormone resulted in improvement in growth velocity and replacement with estrogen in feminization. We suggest that the finding of short stature in patients with 46,XX pure gonadal dysgenesis should not be attributed to the syndrome, but rather requires investigation for possible growth hormone deficiency. The poor growth of our patient prior to growth hormone replacement implies that dehydroepiandrosterone, unlike testosterone and estrogen, is ineffective in promoting linear growth in the absence of adequate growth hormone.

[Multicentric clinical trial of a combination of 35 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 2 mg of cyproterone acetate]

The authors report the results of an open multicentric study of 136 women treated by a combination of 35 micrograms ethinylestradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate for cutaneous manifestation of hyperandrogenism. No pregnancy occurred during the treatment of 12 months. Comparison between the last treated and non treated cycle showed a significant difference (p less than 0.001) in the severity of acne lesions regardless of their sites. General and gynaecological tolerance were excellent.

Favourable response of a virilizing adrenocortical carcinoma to preoperative treatment with ketoconazole and postoperative chemotherapy

A 25-year-old woman presented with an extensive adrenocortical carcinoma with severe virilization and mild Cushing's syndrome. In the tumour there was a primacy of the P450C17 (17,20-lyase) over the P450C21 (21-hydroxylase) route, favouring the synthesis of androgens over corticoids. Preoperatively, the patient was treated with the antimycotic agent ketoconazole, a known inhibitor of steroid synthesis, at a dose of 600 mg/day and after a week 1200 mg/day, to reduce operation risks and to achieve a better metabolic control. This treatment markedly decreased hyperandrogenism and normalized the hypercortisolism. The main effect of ketoconazole was at the 17,20-lyase level and probably at a locus prior in steroidogenesis, i.e. at the P450SCC and/or 17 alpha-hydroxylase level. In contrast with other studies no effect at all was seen on the 11-hydroxylase activity of P450C11. After removal of a massive adrenal carcinoma, extending into the vena cava, vena cava resection and hemihepatectomy because of liver invasion, plasma cortisol and androgen values normalized. Despite adjuvant chemotherapy with o,p'-dichlor-diphenyl-dichloretan (4000 mg daily) hyperandrogenism soon recurred and lung metastases became manifest. Within 2 months after starting combined chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and doxorubicin lung metastases almost completely disappeared with clinical and biochemical resolution of the hyperandrogenic state.

Gonadal tumor and H-Y antigen in 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis

Six cases of Swyer's syndrome (46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis) are reported. Three patients, without gonadal tumor, had female H-Y antigen. Three patients, after gonadal tumor ablation, had intermediate H-Y antigen levels. Repeated blood samples were obtained from two siblings. H-Y antigen level in the first sibling, who presented with a gonadoblastoma and underwent a gonadectomy before the H-Y assays, was intermediate, and did not show any significant variation for 21 months. H-Y antigen level in the second sibling showed an increase in the male range, presumably due to the presence of gonadoblastomas. After resection of the tumors, H-Y antigen level became intermediate. These findings suggest a relation between the tumorization potentiality of the gonadal remnants and the H-Y antigen levels in 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis.

Hyperinsulinemia in hyperthecosis of the ovaries

Fasting insulin concentrations and the insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test were measured in six virilized women with ovarian hyperthecosis and six weight-matched normal women. For comparison, six women with polycystic ovarian disease were also studied. The diagnosis of hyperthecosis was confirmed in all six virilized women by histologic examination of the ovaries. The fasting insulin concentrations were increased in all of the hyperthecosis patients (84 +/- 32 microU/ml). Insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test was greatly increased (p less than 0.01) in comparison to normal women and women with polycystic ovarian disease. Significant positive correlations were found between peripheral insulin concentrations and ovarian vein testosterone (r = 0.879, p less than 0.02), dihydrotestosterone (r = 0.866, p less than 0.03), and androstenedione (r = 0.992, p less than 0.01) levels. Insulin resistance persisted after removal of the ovaries even though androgen levels returned to normal. These results suggest that a significant degree of insulin resistance exists in women with hyperthecosis and that insulin stimulates ovarian stromal androgen synthesis and thus may play a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian hyperthecosis.

[Pathogenesis of laryngeal cancer in women. A clinical and follow-up study]

Clinical findings and age distribution of 71 female patients with laryngeal cancer seen in the ENT department of the University of Münster between 1961 and 1981 are reported. Of these patients, 26 could be questioned with regard to their habit of smoking and relevant gynaecological biographical data. They were compared with an equal number of patients of the same age not suffering from hormone-dependent diseases. With regard to histology, localisation or TNM staging, no signs of laryngeal cancer in women could be found compared to male patients reported in the literature. From the data gathered by questioning, it is possible to conclude that certain trends are represented, suggesting two pathogenetic types of laryngeal cancer in women: 1. Cancer of a young, non-smoking woman, showing signs of virilism. 2. Cancer of an older, smoking woman without signs of virilism.

[Androgenetic amenorrhea]

Virilism in females is often associated with menstrual disorders. There is an evident correlation between the severity of virilism, the level of androgens and the degree of menstrual disorder. A study was carried out between January 1978 and December 1980 on 75 women with various degrees of virilism. The majority of women with severe hirsutism and male-type alopecia were found in the group with amenorrhoea. Furthermore, the four cases with the full-blown picture of severe virilism were found exclusively in this group. Clarification of the virilizing manifestations on the basis of a determination of the basic hormonal status (including the steroid fractions), the dexamethasone suppression test (including the HCG stimulation test) and the oestrogen-gestagen suppression test, diagnostic laparoscopy and phlebography of the adrenal gland is discussed and the methods evaluated.

Ovarian pathology associated with insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans

Insulin resistance and the skin lesions of acanthosis nigricans are not commonly seen by the gynecologist, but the ovarian pathology that can be associated with insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans is well known. The clinical course of disease in a patient with virilization-amenorrhea associated with insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans is presented to illustrate the association. Hyperthecosis was the ovarian pathology demonstrated; testosterone levels were in excess of 400 ng/gl. Postoperative testosterone levels were normal at 62 ng/dl. Additional ovarian pathology reported in association with insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans includes polycystic ovary disease alone, in association with stromal luteomas, or with bilateral dermoid cysts. Furthermore, masculinizing ovarian neoplasms such as hilar cell tumors have been reported in association with ovarian hyperthecosis. When evaluating patients with androgen excess, it would be worthwhile to keep in mind the association with abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and acanthosis nigricans.

Evaluation of the gonadotropic responsiveness of the pituitary to acute and prolonged administration of LH/FSH-releasing hormone (lhrh) in untreated patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

The pituitary gonadotropic responsiveness to acute and prolonged administration of LH/FSH-releasing hormone (LHRH) were assessed in 6 patients with untreated congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia (partial 21-hydroxylase deficiency). The oldest subjects had normal response in comparison to females at the midfollicular phase, to the acute infusion of 25 ug LHRH regarding both gonadotropins whereas LH secretory area was decreased during the prolonged (100 ug LHRH in 8 hours) infusion with normal FSH secretion. The two youngest subjects, with higher steroid levels in our series, were either unresponsive on both ways of testing or presented pre-pubertal response.

Clinical and hormonal studies in hyperthecosis of the ovaries

Endocrine studies were performed in five women with ovarian hyperthecosis. Measurement of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione (A), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), and estrone (E1) in the peripheral and ovarian vein serum obtained simultaneously at the time of surgery indicated that the hyperthecotic ovaries secreted large amounts of potent androgens T and DHT. There was a less marked increase in A secretion. Peripheral P and 17-OHP levels were elevated, with a significant peripheral ovarian gradient. E1 comes entirely from peripheral conversion, while at least a portion of E2 comes from direct secretion from the ovaries. Circulating FSH and LH levels were low or normal. The gonadotropin response to LH-RH was in the normal range. No patient ovulated with Clomid treatment. The hirsutism did not improve with ovarian suppression with birth control pills, possibly because of the absence of tonic elevation of LH. The hypothalamic pituitary physiology in hyperthecosis is different from that in polycystic ovarian disease.

Association between Wilms tumor and gonadal dysgenesis

The classification of intersexuality was determined in 10 patients with an intersex disorder who subsequently suffered a Wilms tumor. Of these 10 patients 7 (70 per cent) had a disorder of gonadal dysgenesis: 5 had mixed gonadal dysgenesis, 1 had dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism and 1 had 46XY pure gonadal dysgenesis. Because the gonads of patients with either of these 3 disorders have a high predilection for the development of testicular neoplasia, the concomitant occurrence of renal tumors in such a patient population suggests that a common defect in the urogenital ridge, the embryonic precursor of the kidneys and gonads, may be the cause of this association.

Massive ovarian oedema with production of testosterone

Clinical, biochemical, light- and electron microscopic, and immunocytochemical findings of a 13 1/2 year old girl with delayed menarche and signs of virilization due to massive oedema of the left ovary with activation of stromal cells (hyperthecosis) are presented. Testosterone and oestradiol production by large cells in the voluminous ovary was demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay. Massive ovarian oedema may result from partial or intermittent torsion of the mesovary interfering with venous and lymphatic drainage, but not with arterial blood flow.

Strumal carcinoid of the ovary: an analysis of 50 cases of a distinctive tumor composed of thyroid tissue and carcinoid

Strumal carcinoid of the ovary is a type of germ-cell tumor characterized by an intimate mixture of thyroid tissue and carcinoid. Fifty patients with this type of tumor ranged in age from 21 to 77 years. The tumors measured up to 26 cm in diameter and were always unilateral. In 10% of the cases, the contralateral ovary contained another type of neoplasm, usually a dermoid cyst. Three-fifths of the strumal carcinoids arose in dermoid cysts or in mature solid teratomas. Birefringent calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals were commonly identified in the thyroid colloid, and argentaffin granules, in the carcinoid cells, thus substantiating the identity of the neoplastic components. Although 31% of the tumors were accompanied by focal stromal luteinization, only 8% of the cases exhibited clinical signs of steroid hormone production (endometrial hyperplasia, hirsutism, or virilism). In 8% of the cases, there was evidence suggesting functioning of the thyroid component, but no patient had the carcinoid syndrome. Only one woman died of tumour; five others died of unrelated causes. The remaining patients remained alive and well; 23, for at least five years, and 15, for at least ten years postoperatively. Although the carcinoid component of the strumal carcinoid has been considered a malignant transformation of struma ovarii, it is almost always benign, and treatment with a simple oophorectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy is effective.

Virilism as a late manifestation in the Bardet-Biedl syndrome

The second case of virilism as a late manifestation of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is described, with endocrine and histological evaluation. Both cases manifested ovulatory cycles and developed virilism in adulthood. Elevated plasma testosterone and 17-OH-progesterone were not suppressed by dexamethasone but were suppressed by medroxyprogesterone acetate. Peripheral and ovarian venous blood obtained at the time of surgery demonstrated a marked gradient for testosterone in both ovaries and for progesterone in the ovary bearing the corpus luteum. Histological evaluation of the ovaries demonstrated bilateral ovarian stromal hyperplasia with focal hyperthecosis. Bilateral ovariectomy resulted in complete correction of the endocrine abnormality, although the established hirsutism remains a mark of previous androgen excess.

A patient with pure gonadal dysgenesis, gonadal tumour and virilisation

A phenotypic female, karyotype XY presented with virilisation and amenorrhoea. The gonads showed evidence of oestrogen and testosterone production and, in view of the risk of malignancy, a laparotomy was performed. A streak gonad was present on one side with a streak gonad containing discrete tumours on the other. The uterus and Fallopian tubes were present. Removal of the gonads and uterus and subsequent oestrogen replacement therapy have produced a satisfactory clinical result.

Demonstration of steroid-producing gonadal tumors by external scanning with the use of NP-59

Bilateral testicular Leydig cell tumors in a patient with Nelson's syndrome and a Leydig cell tumor of the ovary in a woman with a virilizing syndrome were successfully imaged with [6beta-131I]iodomethyl-19-norcholest-5(10)-en-3beta-ol (NP-59). Uptake by these tumors was comparable to uptake by adrenal glands in patients with funtioning adrenal tumors or bilateral hyperplasia. Scanning the gonads with NP-59 may be a helpful imaging procedure in localizing possible sites for exploratory surgery in certain cases of gonadal neoplasia.

Familial male pseudohermaphroditism with incomplete virilization

A 21-year-old 46 XY individual with familial male pseudohermaphroditism was investigated. Phenotype consisted of pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias with bilateral inguinal gonads and a masculine habitus without gynecomastia. Plasma testosterone, cortisol, follicle stimulating hormone, urinary 17-ketosteroids, and 17-ketogenic steroids were within the normal male range. Plasma dihydrotestosterone was at the lower limit of the normal male range. Plasma luteinizing hormone was three times and plasma estradiol was about one and a half times the upper limit of normal for men. These results are consistent with a partial defect in the mechanism of action of testosterone. The differential diagnosis of various forms of male pseudohermaphroditism is discussed.

Virilization with diffuse involvement of ovarian androgen secreting cells

A case is reported in which virilization of long duration and gradual progression was found in association with ovarian hyperthecosis and bilateral hilar cell lesions. The frequency occurrence of both masculinizing and nonmasculinizing ovarian tumors in association with ovarian hyperthecosis and polycystic ovaries is discussed.