Virilization due to a Leydig cell adrenal adenoma.
Virilizing adrenal adenomas are rare, and Leydig cell adenomas of the adrenal rarer still. Our patient, a 60-year-old virilized woman, was found to have a Leydig cell adenoma. Virilization associated with normal 17-ketosteroid and elevated testosterone levels necessitates excluding an adrenal cause. Although one might expect high testosterone levels to suppress gonadotropins, this is not the case. In addition to other studies recommended for assessing the incidentally discovered adrenal mass, we would add a testosterone assay.
Hilton
C W
CW
Department of Medicine, University of Florida/JHEP, Jacksonville.
Pollock
W J
WJ
D015068:17-Ketosteroids / Q000378:metabolism; D000236:Adenoma / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006729:Hormones, Ectopic / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D014770:Virilism / Q000209:etiology*
D015068:17-Ketosteroids; D006729:Hormones, Ectopic; D013739:Testosterone