title: An uncommon etiology for a common problem: hirsutism.
abstract: Hirsutism is a common problem affecting women that is usually the result of a benign etiology. However, sudden onset or rapidly progressive hirsutism, especially when accompanied by virilizing signs, is suspicious for androgen-producing neoplasms of the ovaries or adrenals. A 28-year-old female presented with the rapid onset of hirsutism and virilizing signs, accompanied by a markedly elevated serum testosterone. Initial imaging studies demonstrated normal adrenal glands and ovaries. She was later discovered to have a rare steroid-secreting ovarian tumor. This case emphasizes the importance of a high level of suspicion for an androgen-producing neoplasm in the patient with sudden onset or rapid progression of virilizing signs and symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Sanford School of Medicine, The University of South Dakota, USA.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Winterton
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Eyster
authors.forename: Keith A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hansen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014770:Virilism