Last update:
08-Apr-2008

Hirsutism may be a manifestation of hyperandrogenemia. Hypertrichosis associated with signs of virilization (voice hoarseness, clitoromegaly etc.) of recent onset and rapid progression, raises the suspicion of androgen secreting tumors of the ovaries or the adrenal glands. The case reported is of a 40 year-old woman with rapidly progressing hirsutism and virilization of resent onset, due to a tumor of the right ovary. High levels of free testosterone, D4 androstendione and 17(OH)-progesterone with normal levels of dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate were found. Ultrasound and computerized axial tomography of the abdomen showed a tumor in diameter 12.3 cm in the region of the right ovary. Following surgical removal, the tumor was histologically characterized as a Sertoli tumor of the ovary. Postoperatively the signs of hyperandogenemia subsided and the patient improved clinically. In females with signs of virilization of recent onset and rapid progression the existence of an androgen secreting tumor of the ovaries or adrenal glands should be suspected. Virilizing Sertoli tumors of the ovaries are considered rare and their pathological characterization may be challenging.

Key words: Hirsutism, Hyperandrogenemia, Sertoli tumors, Virilization.