[Leydig cell tumor as a cause of hirsutism in a postmenopausal woman].
BACKGROUND
Hirsutism or virilization in postmenopausal women may be due to increased testosterone levels caused by an androgen-secreting tumor. The preoperative localization of small ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting tumors is difficult.


METHODS
A 61-year-old, postmenopausal woman presented with progressive hirsutism and deepening of voice over the last 9 years. Serum testosterone was very high (almost 30 nmol/l). Computed tomographic (CT) scans of the adrenals and ultrasonography of the pelvis were negative. Selective catheterization and [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT investigation raised the suspicion of an androgen-secreting tumor of the right ovary. Oophorectomy was performed, and a Leydig cell tumor of the right ovary was confirmed on histological examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Selective catheterization and [(18)F]FDG-PET investigation may aid the detection of androgen-secreting tumors.
Matuszczyk
Anna
A
Klinik für Endokrinologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Deutschland. anna.matuszczyk@gmx.de
Petersenn
Stephan
S
Lahner
Harald
H
Haude
Michael
M
Veit
Patrick
P
Becker
Jan U
JU
Kimmig
Rainer
R
Bockisch
Andreas
A
Mann
Klaus
K
D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007984:Leydig Cell Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D013739:Testosterone