Case Reports
Virilization in a postmenopausal woman: ovarian steroid cell tumour
Authors:
S Pathmanathan ,
Senior Registrar, Endocrinology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, LK
Noel P Somasundaram,
Consultant Endocrinologist, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, LK
N Wijewardena,
Consultant Interventional Radiologist, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, LK
HR Senevirathne,
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of
Colombo, LK
D Lokuhetty
Professor of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, LK
Abstract
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. We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with high serum testosterone and inappropriate normal estrogen despite menopause. Localization of the tumour was not possible by conventional ultrasound or computerized tomography scanning, and was achieved by venous sampling. Complete cure was achieved by oophorectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperatively her testosterone returned to normal. Two months after surgery she showed regression of features of hyperandrogenism.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v1i1.4189
Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism 2011; 1: 37-40
How to Cite:
Pathmanathan, S., Somasundaram, N.P., Wijewardena, N., Senevirathne, H. and Lokuhetty, D., 2012. Virilization in a postmenopausal woman: ovarian steroid cell tumour. Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1(1), pp.37–40. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v1i1.4189
Published on
25 Mar 2012.
Peer Reviewed
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