Síndrome de ovarios poliquísticos. Entidad que demanda diagnóstico temprano / Polycystic ovary syndrome, an entity demanding an early diagnosis

RESUMEN El síndrome de ovario poliquístico se ha convertido en un problema de salud pública, siendo el más común de los desórdenes endocrinos en mujeres en edad reproductiva con estudios que reportan una prevalencia de hasta un 21%. El diagnóstico de esta entidad es importante debido a que representa riesgos metabólicos, cardiovasculares y afecta la capacidad reproductiva de estas pacientes. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de los principales artículos relacionados sobre el tema, resumiendo los aspectos fundamentales de este problema de salud.

ABSTRACT Polycystic ovary syndrome has become a public health problem, being the most common of the endocrine disorders in reproductive-age women, with studies reporting prevalence by 21 %. The diagnosis of this entity is important because it represents metabolic and cardiovascular risk, and affects the reproductive capacity of these patients. The authors carried out bibliographic review of the main articles related with the theme, summarizing the basic aspects of this health problem.

Actualización del síndrome de ovario poliquístico y su importancia en dermatología / Update of polycystic ovary syndrome and its importance in dermatology

El Síndrome de Ovario Poliquístico es un trastorno endocrino común que afecta a mujeres en edad reproductiva que puede causar problemas metabólicos y deterioro psicosocial importante. Las manifestaciones dermatológicas más frecuentes del hiperandrogenismo incluyen acné, hirsutismo y alopecia, cuyo reconocimiento es esencial para hacer un diagnóstico precoz. Las modalidades de tratamiento incluyen terapia hormonal con el objetivo de modular la producción de andrógenos y su acción, así como tratamientos no hormonales dirigidos a condiciones dermatológicas específicas.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, which can cause metabolic, reproductive and psychosocial impairment. The most common skin manifestations of hyperandrogenism are acne, hirsutism and alopecia, whose recognition is essential for early diagnosis. There are several treatment modalities, including hormonal therapy in order to modulate androgen production and their effects, as well as other non hormonal treatments targeted to specific dermatologic conditions.

Hirsutismo pós-menopausa: caso clínico raro de hipertecose ovárica / Post-menopausal hirsutism: a rare case of ovarian hyperthecosis

Durante o climatério podem ocorrer sinais clínicos de hiperandroginismo. Contudo quadros de virilização exigem investigação para exclusão de uma fonte produtora de androgênios. Doente de 66 anos, com menopausa espontânea aos 50, referenciada à consulta de ginecologia por hirsutismo após a menopausa, com agravamento no último ano e episódios demetrorragia que não valorizava. Ao exame objetivo tinha masculinização da voz, alopécia androgênica, aumento da pilosidade na face, tronco e membros e hipertrofia do clitóris.Feita ecografia endovaginal que revelou espessamento endometrial e ovários aumentados de volume para a idade; estudo analítico que demonstrou um valor de testosterona total elevado (225ng/dL); tomografia computadorizada da suprarrenal e ressonância magnética crânio-encefálica que não revelaram alterações; e histeroscopia com remoção de pólipo endometrial, associado a hiperplasia endometrial simples sem atipia. Submetida a histerectomia total com anexectomia bilateral. O estudo histológico concluiu tratar-se de hipertecose ovárica. Seis meses após a cirurgia apresentava normalização da testosterona sérica, acentuada redução do hirsutismo e melhoria da alopécia.O diagnóstico de hiperandrogenismo em mulheres na pós-menopausa constitui um desafio. Os meios complementares de diagnóstico nem sempre permitem detectar a origem da hiperandrogenemia. O tratamento da hipertecose ovárica melhora o hirsutismo e pode reduzir o risco de patologia maligna hormonodependente.

tMild clinical signs of hyperandrogenism such as hirsutism may arise during the menopausal transition as part of the aging process. However, development of virilization may be interpreted as the presence a specific source of androgen excess. 66 year-old menopausal woman, with a record of progressive hirsutism since menopausal age (50 years-old) exacerbated over the past year. Episodes of metrorrhagia were not valued by the patient. Physical examination showed deepening of voice, frontotemporal alopecia, hirsutism in face, trunk and limbs and hypertrophy of the clitoris. A transvaginal ultrasound revealed a thickened endometrium and enlarged ovaries considering her age and analytical study showed an increase of total testosterone (225ng/dL). No changes were detected at computerized tomography of adrenals and cerebral magnetic resonance. Performed an hysteroscopy with removal of endometrial polyp, associated to simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. The histological diagnosis after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, revealed a ovarian hyperthecosis. Six months after surgery it was observed a testosterone within the normal range, marked hirsutism reduction and alopecia improvement.Diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal is a challenging task. Imaging techniques do not always reveal the source of excess androgens. The ovarian hyperthecosis treatment effectively improves hirsutism and reduces the risk of hormone-dependent tumors.

Female hyperandrogenemia and normal serum levels of testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin

It is well known that the reference values usually employed for endocrine biochemical measurements are those suggested by the suppliers of commercial kits despite their advice that each laboratory should set its own reference values. Our objectives were to (i) determine reference ranges for serum testosterone (T) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) appropriate to our laboratory and population, and (ii) to analyze their influence on evaluating hyperandrogenemia. SHBG and T were measured, and free and bioavailable testosterone calculated, in (a) 30 selected non-hyperandrogenic women, (b) 87 non-selected healthy female blood donors, (c) 53 women with hyperandrogenism, and (d) 38 women with hyperandrogenic disorders but without biochemical hyperandrogenemia according to normal ranges suggested by the kit manufacturer. Mean serum SHBG concentrations were significantly different among all four groups. SHBG levels were significantly higher in selected normal women (group a). Using our results for this selected control group as new reference values, 12 out of 38 (31.6%) women with hyperandrogenic disorders without apparent hyperandrogenemia (group d) were recategorized as hyperandrogenemic. Similarly, 4 out of 63 (6.4%) non-selected, normal weight, women (group b), were recategorized as hyperandrogenic. Therefore, the diagnosis of hyperandrogenemia would improve accuracy by using customized reference SHBG values instead of those suggested by the suppliers.

Con frecuencia los valores de referencia utilizados para las evaluaciones bioquímicas endocrinológicas son los sugeridos por los kits utilizados, a pesar de las recomendaciones de que cada laboratorio debiera obtener sus propios valores de normalidad. Nuestros objetivos fueron (i) analizar los rangos de referencia para testosterona (T) y globulina ligadora de esteroides sexuales (SHBG) apropiados para nuestro laboratorio y población, y (ii) analizar su influencia en la evaluación de la hiperandrogenemia. Se midió T y SHBG y se calculó testosterona libre y biodisponible en un grupo (a) control de 30 mujeres no hiperandrogénicas, (b) 87 mujeres no seleccionadas donantes de sangre, (c) 53 mujeres con hiperandrogenismo, y (d) 38 mujeres con desórdenes hiperandrogénicos pero sin hiperandrogenemia de acuerdo a los rangos de normalidad sugeridos por el kit. La concentración media de SHBG fue significativamente diferente entre los cuatro grupos. Los niveles de SHBG fueron significativamente más altos en las mujeres controles seleccionadas (grupo a). Tomando en consideración los resultados obtenidos en este grupo y estableciendo los rangos de referencia adecuados, 12 de 38 mujeres (31.6%) hiperandrogénicas sin hiperandrogenemia (grupo d) fueron recategorizadas como con exceso androgénico bioquímico. De igual manera, al analizar mujeres normopesas no seleccionadas, en edad reproductiva (grupo b), 4 de 63 (6.4%) pudieron ser definidas como hiperandrogénicas. Utilizando valores adecuados de referencia para SHBG, se mejora la precisión del diagnóstico de exceso androgénico.

Evaluación clínica del pelo corporal en una población de mujeres colombianas: determinación del punto de corte para el diagnóstico de hirsutismo

Introducción. El hirsutismo es una entidad médica definida como el crecimiento excesivo del pelo corporal en mujeres, con un patrón de distribución masculino. Para su evaluación se emplea una escala análoga visual diseñada por Ferriman y Gallwey en el Reino Unido en 1961, posteriormente modificada por Hatch. En esta escala se consideran nueve áreas corporales y se obtiene un valor global mínimo de 0 y un máximo de 36. Se ha establecido que un puntaje superior a 8 hace diagnóstico de hirsutismo en mujeres europeas; sin embargo, se recomienda que el diagnóstico de hirsutismo sea individualizado según la población en estudio. Objetivo. Determinar el punto de corte más apropiado para el diagnóstico de hirsutismo en una población colombiana, mediante la aplicación de la escala de Ferriman-Gallwey modificada. Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó de forma aleatoria la escala de Ferriman-Gallwey modificada a 323 mujeres santandereanas sin factores de riesgo para hirsutismo, entre los 18 y 50 años. Resultados. Se obtuvieron puntajes entre 0 y 9 en la escala de Ferriman, el 53,5 % de las mujeres presentaron un valor en la escala de Ferriman-Gallwey modificada total entre 0 y 1 puntos. En el 96 % de las examinadas se evidenció un puntaje de Ferriman-Gallwey modificado menor o igual a 6. Conclusión. Se sugiere un valor mayor o igual a 6 como punto de corte para el diagnóstico de hirsutismo en la región.

Clinical assessment of body hair in Colombian women: determining the cutoff score that defines hirsutism.

Introduction: Hirsutism is a medical entity defined as the excessive growth of body hair in women with a male distribution pattern. For evaluation it is used a visual analog scale designed by Ferriman and Gallwey in the United Kingdom in 1961, subsequently modified by Hatch. This scale consists of nine body areas, obtaining a minimum total value of 0 and a maximum of 36. It has been established a value greater than 8 points for diagnosis of hirsutism in European women, but it is recommended that the diagnosis of hirsutism should be individualized according to the study population. Objective: To determine the most appropriate cutoff point for the diagnosis of hirsutism in a Colombian population by applying the Ferriman-Gallwey Modified scale. Materials and methods: A random scale was applied to 323 women from Santander, between the ages of 18 and 50, and without risk factors for hirsutism. Results: It was obtained a score between 0 and 9 in the Ferriman-Gallwey modified scale, and 53.5% of the women had an overall score between 0 and 1 points. The 96% of those examined evidenced a Ferriman-Gallwey score modified less or equal to 6. Conclusion: It is suggest a value less than or equal to 6 as the cutoff point for the diagnosis of hirsutism in our region.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia with polycystic ovarian disease: a rare cause of hirsutism

Hirsutism may be defined as presence of terminal hairs in women with a male-like pattern of distribution. Hirsutism is related to serum androgen and cutaneous sensitivity to other hormones. The most prevalent causes of hirsutism are polycystic ovary syndrome and isolated hirsutism. Nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia [21-hydroxylase deficiency] and drug induced type are less frequent rather rare causes. Diagnostic evaluations should address identifying etiology and its associated co-morbidities to properly manage the patients. We present a case of 22-year-old unmarried female who presented with hirsutism and on detailed evaluation she was diagnosed as a case of nonclassical adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovaries. Along with laser hair removal,proper treatment of underlying etiology led to reversal of her symptoms

Manifestações dermatológicas da síndrome dos ovários policísticos / Dermatologic fi ndings in polycystic ovary syndrome

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é um distúrbio comum que atinge as mulheres na menacme e é caracterizado por anovulação crônica, síndrome androgênica e alteração ultrassonográfica característica. A SOP apresenta uma série de sinais dermatológicos que podem ser confundidos com aspectos fisiológicos da puberdade. O tratamento destas manifestações pode ser feito com drogas antiandrogênicas, além de tratamentos estéticos com laser e medicamentos tópicos.

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common clinical problem affecting women in premenopausal women, characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, androgenic syndrome and ultrasound alterations. The PCOS presents dermatologic signals that may be diffi cult to diagnose because some features of the syndrome may be physiologic at this age. The treatment can be done with anti-androgenic drugs and esthetic treatments, such as laser and topic drugs.

aetiological study of moderate to severe hirsutism

Hirsutism is a common disorder of females. Most cases are idiopathic, however some studies claim polycystic ovarian syndrome to be the commonest cause. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the etiology of moderate to severe hirsutism and to devise a rational diagnostic approach in these patients depending upon age, severity of the problem and other clinical findings. Seventy four consecutive patients with moderate to severe hirsutism [i.e. Ferriman and Gallwey score of 7 and above] were enrolled and recorded on a standard Proforma. All patients were assessed clinically with particular emphasis on signs and symptoms of virilisation. Hormonal investigation as well as abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography for adrenals and ovaries was done in all patients. Of the 74 patients 35 [47.3%] were labeled as idiopathic hirsutism, while 33 [44.6%] were diagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome. Other causes identified were hypothyroidism [4%], Cushing"s syndrome [2.7%] and congenital adrenal hyperplasia [1.3%]. Majority of patients belonged to the age group 21-25 years. The commonest cause of hirsutism in our study was idiopathic [47.3%]. This was followed by PCOS which accounted for 44.6% of patients

Hirsutismo: diagnóstico diferencial / Hirsutism: differential diagnosis

O hirsutismo é um dos sinais das síndromes hiperandrogênicas. Uma abordagem prática consiste em dividir as síndromes hiperandrogênicas em virilizantes e não virilizantes, de acordo com a presença ou ausência de sinais de virilização. Um caso de uma paciente com hirsutismo e com uma concentração basal e após estímulo com ACTH(1-24) elevada de 17-OHP é discutido. A ausência de sinais de virilização e a história clínica tornavam pouco prováveis etiologias como neoplasias virilizantes e a hipertecose de ovário. Dentre as causas das síndromes não virilizantes, a presença de distúrbio menstrual e hiperandrogenemia descartou o hirsutismo idiopático. De acordo com o Consenso de Rotterdam, considerou-se o diagnóstico de síndrome dos ovários policísticos, procedendo-se à exclusão da forma não clássica da hiperplasia adrenal congênita por deficiência da 21-hidroxilase. A concentração de 17-OHP após estímulo foi de 14 ng/dL, sendo que, na dependência do limite de corte considerado, seria compatível com esta doença. Embora a região promotora do gene não tenha sido estudada, do ponto de vistas prático pode-se considerar que este diagnóstico tenha sido excluído, uma vez que mutações nessa região são raras.

Hirsutism is one of the manifestations of the hyperandrogenic syndromes. A practical approach consists of dividing the hyperandrogenic syndromes into virilizing and non-virilizing, in accordance to the presence or absence of virilization symptoms. A case of a patient with hirsutism and a high basal and post-ACTH stimulation concentration of 17-OHP is presented. The absence of virilization and of clinical history discarded as etiology the virilizing neoplasias and hiperthecose of the ovary. Among the causes of non-virilizing syndromes, the presence of the menstrual disturbance and hiperandrogenemia discarded idiopathic hirsutism. In accordance to the Consensus of Rotterdam, the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome was considered. For to exclude the non classic form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hidroxilase deficiency, the patient was submitted to a short ACTH-(1-24) stimulation test. The 17-OHP concentrations after stimuli were 14 ng/dL, being that, in the dependence of the limit of considered cut-off, it would be compatible with this illness. Although the promoter region had not been studied, we can consider that this diagnosis was excluded through the sequencing of CYP21A2 gene, since mutation on the promoter region is a rare event.

Hirsutism: a rare presentation of an adult granulosa cell tumor of ovary.

Ovarian tumor with clinical manifestations like hirsutism, atrophic uterus, flattened breasts and absence of post-menopausal bleeding and atrophic endometrium was reported as an adult granulosa cell tumor (GCT) on histopathological examination, is discussed.

Clinical diagnosis of hirsutism in Thai women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cutoff score for identifying hirsute, Thai women, by using modified Ferriman-Gallwey-Lorenzo (mF-G-L) method. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Hirsutism was defined as an amount of terminal hair in the androgen-sensitive skin areas that the women themselves would consider obviously abnormal, and their mF-G-L score was above 97.5 percentile of general population. The subjects were consecutive unselected premenopausal women who came to our hospital for their yearly Papanicolaou smear check up, without any complaint. Acne and oily skin were also assessed. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty-one women underwent a physical exam. The women who had the total hair-growth score of 0, 1 and 2 by mF-G-L method accounted for 97.8% of all the subjects. All of the 11 subjects with a total score of 3 or more considered themselves to have excessive growth of hair. None of these 11 women had acne. CONCLUSION: The authors purposed that the cutoff score to diagnose Thai hirsutism may be 3 or more by mF-G-L method.

Hirsutismo, hipertricose e alopécia / Hirsutism, hypertrichosis and alopecia

Embora as anomalias dos pêlos sejam primariamente um problema cosmético, elas podem representar um sinal cutâneo de uma doença sistêmica. Exemplos são a desnutrição, avitaminoses, emagrecimento excessivo, doença toxêmica, alterações hormonais. No presente trabalho, os autores fazem uma revisão das principais tricoses (alopecia, hipertricose e hirsutismo), enfatizando conceito, epidemiologia, diagnóstico, clínica e tratamento

Perfil hormonal e metabólico em pacientes hirsutas com a síndrome dos ovários policísticos / Hormonal and metabolic profile in hirsute patients with the polycystic ovarian syndrome

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (PCOS) tem sido associada à resistência insulínica/hiperinsulinemia compensatória e a uma maior prevalência de intolerância aos carboidratos (ICH) e diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Há controvérsia na literatura sobre se a hiperinsulinemia, presente nas pacientes com PCOS, é independente ou näo da obesidade. No presente estudo, avaliaram-se as características hormonais e o perfil metabólico glicoinsulínico e lipídico em mulheres hirsutas com o diagnóstico de PCOS em comparaçäo com pacientes com hirsutismo idiopático (HI), estratificadas de acordo com o índice de massa corporal (IMC 5 ou > 25kg/m2). Foram dosados androgênios, SHBG, gonadotrofinas, além de glicose, lipídeos e lipoproteínas, insulina e pró-insulina. Foi também realizado o teste de tolerância oral á glicose (75g) para avaliaçäo da curva de glicose e insulina. Concluímos que as pacientes com PCOS e IMC > 25kg/m2 apresentam maior prevalência de obesidade abdominal, de hiperinsulinemia, hipertrigliceridemia e curvas glicêmicas alteradas em relaçäo ás pacientes PCOS e IMC

Tratamiento del hirsutismo con espironolactona y con espironolactona más dexametasona / Treatment of hirsutism with spironolactone and with spironolactone plus dexamethasone

Background: Spironolactone has an anti androgenic effect, inhibiting the binding of androgens to their receptor. This antagonistic effect is the basis for the use of spironolactone in the treatment of hirsutism. Aim: To study the effectiveness and safety of spironolactone in the treatment of hirsute women and of the association of spironolactone plus dexamethasone in the treatment of hirsutism with glucocorticoid sensitive hyperandrogenism. Patients and method: Sixteen women (group 1) with peripheral hirsutism (defined as those with normal androgens levels, normal menstrual cycles and ovulation) and 24 women (group 2) with glucocorticoid sensitive hyperandrogenic hirsutism were studied. Group 1 was treated with spironolactone 50 mg bid and group 2 with same spironolactone dose plus dexamethasone 0.5 mg at 23 h during one month and 0.25 mg thereafter. Patients were followed during one year. Results: After one year of treatment, a 54 percent reduction in Moncada hirsutism escore was observed in group 1 and 52 percent reduction in group 2. Observed secondary effects of spironolactone were increases in diuresis, fatigability, acne aggravation and seborrhea in two patients. Two additional patients had spotting. No secondary effect attributable to glucocorticoid use were observed. Conclusions: Spironolactone is effective and safe in the treatment of hirsutism. Androgenic supression did no increases its effectiveness, underscoring the peripheral anti androgenic activity os spironolactone

study on etiologies of hirsutism and screening for late - onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 - hydroxylase deficiency

Eighty hirsute women [Ferryman and Gallwey score >/= 8] who were referred to the endocrinology clinics of Shiraz university and ten control normal nonhirsute women were assessed in this study. Baseline 17-hydroxyprogesterone [17 OH PG], cortisol, stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol after 30 minutes of cosyntropin [short acting ACTH] injection were measured for screening of late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia [LOCAH] during follicular phase. Baseline testosterone, Luteinizing hormone [LH], follicular stimulating hormone [FSH], thyroid stimulating hormone[TSH], prolactin [PRL] and dihydroepian drosterone sulfate [DHEA-So[4]] were also measured. The ovaries were visualized in 42 patients by sonography. Of the 80 hirsute women, 3 had late-onset CAH due to 21-Hydroxylase [21 OH] deficiency [3.8%], 43 women diagnosed as having Polycystic ovary syndrome [53.7%] and 34 women diagnosed as having idiopathic hirsutism [42.5%]

Utilidad clínica de la determinación del antigeno prostático específico en la evaluación de pacientes con cáncer de mama / Clinical utility of the determinatión of prostate specific antigen in the evaluation of patients which breast cancer

El antígeno prostático específico es uno de los marcadores tumorales que se utilizan con mayor frecuencia en la práctica clínica. Su uso para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de pacientes con cáncer de próstata es un hecho bien establecido. Durante muchos años su presencia se pensó era exclusiva de esta glándula y por ende del sexo masculino. La evidencia reciente sugiere que puede estar presente en otros tejidos y tumores, incluyendo el cáncer de mama. El presente trabajo evaluó la utilidad de determinación sérica de este marcador en 84 pacientes con cáncer de mama (24 con evidencia de enfermedad y 60 sin evidencia de la misma), utilizando como grupo de control 84 pacientes pareados por edad y sexo sin evidencia de enfermedad mamaria corroborada por historia, examen físico y en algunos casos por mamografía y eco mamario realizado en último año. Los resultados obtenidos no demostraron diferencias significativas desde el punto de vista estadístico en las concentraciones promedio de PSA entre el grupo de pacientes con cáncer de mama (con y sin evidencia de enfermedad) y el grupo de control, ni tampoco con los antecedentes de uso de ACO o tratamiento hormonal sustitutivo, hirsutismo, uso de tamoxifen, presencia de receptores estrogénicos o de progesterona positivos en el grupo de pacientes con cáncer de mama. Encontrando a diferencia de los hallazgos reportados en la literatura internacional que en el grupo de control los valores de PSA elevados se asociaban con una edad menor a los 50 años (p=0.02), el uso de ACO (p=0.05), y ausencia de menopausia (P=0.05)