Virilizing leydig-sertoli cell ovarian tumor associated with endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium in a postmenopausal patient: case report and general considerations.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs) are rare tumors mostly occurring in young women. Here we report an unusual case of a SLCT with simultaneous occurrence of endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium in a woman in menopause.

CASE REPORT:

A 67-year-old woman presented with progressive signs of virilization. Blood tests showed increased levels of testosterone, delta-4-androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA-sulphate, 17β-estradiol, estrone, and sex-hormone binding globulin serum levels were within the normal range. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid mass of 2.7 × 2.9 cm in the right ovary set against the background of the uterus. The patient underwent bilateral salpingo-oophoretomy with hysterectomy. The mass in the right ovary was a differentiated SLCT. Incidentally, the endometrium revealed an endometrioid adenocacinoma. Following surgical treatment the plasma androgens dropped to normal levels, and signs and symptoms of virilization improved.

CONCLUSION:

SLCT should be suspected in postmenopausal women who present rapid progressive androgen excess symptoms with hyperandrogenemia.

• Authors: Paola Di Giacinto, Laura Chioma, Giuseppe Vancieri, Laura Guccione, Elena Cicerone, Salvatore Ulisse, Stefania Mariani, Camillo Autore, Andrea Fabbri, Lucio Gnessi, Costanzo Moretti
• Journal: Clinical medicine insights. Case reports (Clin Med Insights Case Rep) Vol. 5 Pg. 149-53 ( 2012) ISSN: 1179-5476 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23133317 (Publication Type: Case Reports)