Tumor ovárico de células de Leydig en una niña de 7 años que se presentó como pubarquia precoz con elevación de 17 hidroxiprogesterona / Ovarian tumor of Leydig cells in a 7-year-old girl who presented as precocious pubarche with elevation of 17 hydroxyprogesterone

Clinical case: a girl of 7 ½ years who consulted for early pubarche without thelark, with a percentile size of 75 for a genetic target size in the 10th percentile, overweight with a 90th percentile BMI, and normal blood pressure. The biochemical study showed high levels of androgens: testosterone: 7.2 ng/dL, androstenedione of 5.1 ng / ml, 17OHP: 15 ng / dL with low normal DHEAS (0.26 ug/ml), Plasma Renin Activity normal low: 0.22 ng/mL/h. Initial imaging study showed a bone age of 10 years 6 months and normal abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. Molecular study showed no pathogenic variants in the CYP21A2 gene (21 Hydroxylase). With a probable diagnosis of non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (HSRNC) and no known mutation, he started treatment with hydrocortisone (12 mg/m2). At 8.7 years, pubertal development begins and braking begins with LHRH analogues, which are administered for 18 months. Despite the treatment, signs of virilization and elevation of androgens (testosterone up to 130 ng/ml) are progressively accentuated, which do not diminish when trying different corticosteroid schemes. MRI of the abdomen and pelvis shows the normal adrenal glands and a solid nodular image of 2.1 x 1.6 cm in the right ovary (Figure 2), later demonstrated with pelvic ultrasound (Figure 2). Right laparoscopic oophorectomy was performed, whose biopsy demonstrated a Leydig cell tumor. One month after surgery, all androgenic levels were normalized, so the gradual suspension of corticosteroids began. Conclusion: Although HSRNC is the most frequent pathological cause of early pubarche, when it is associated with progressive clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism despite adequate treatment and without pathogenic variants in the CYP21A2 gene, even with high levels of 17OHP, other causes should be considered, specifically, androgen producing tumors.

Caso clínico: niña de 7½ años que consulta por pubarquia precoz sin telarquia, con talla en percentil 75 para una talla objetivo genético en percentil 10, sobrepeso con IMC percentil 90 y presión arterial normal. El estudio bioquímico mostró niveles elevados de andrógenos: testosterona: 7,2 ng/dL, androstenediona de 5,1 ng/ml, 17OHP: 15 ng/dL con DHEAS normal baja (0,26 ug/ml), Actividad de Renina Plasmática normal baja: 0.22 ng/ mL/h. Estudio de imágenes inicial mostró una edad ósea de 10 años 6 meses y ecografía abdominal y pelviana normales. Estudio molecular no mostró variantes patogénicas en el gen CYP21A2 (21 Hidroxilasa). Con diagnosticó probable de hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita no clásica (HSRNC) y sin mutación conocida,inició el tratamiento con hidrocortisona (12 mg/m2). A los 8.7 años comienza desarrollo puberal y se inicia frenación con análogos de LHRH, los cuales se administran por 18 meses. A pesar del tratamiento se acentúan progresivamente los signos de virilización y hayelevación de los andrógenos (testosterona hasta 130 ng/ml), que no disminuyen intentando diferentes esquemas de corticoides. Se realiza RM de abdomen y pelvis que muestra las glándulas suprarrenales normales y una imagen nodular sólida de 2.1 x 1.6 cm en el ovario derecho (Figura 2), demostrada posteriormente con Ecografía pelviana (Figura 2). Se realiza ooforectomía derecha por vía laparoscópica, cuya biopsia demostró un tumor de células de Leydig. Un mes después de la cirugía, se normalizan todos los niveles androgénicos por lo que se inició la suspensión gradual de los corticoides. Conclusión: Aunque la HSRNC es la causa patológica más frecuente de la pubarquia precoz, cuando se asocia con un hiperandrogenismo clínico y bioquímico progresivo a pesar de un tratamiento adecuado y sin variantes patógenicas en el gen CYP21A2, incluso con niveles elevados de 17OHP, otras causas deben ser consideradas, específicamente tumores productores de andrógenos.

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.

Síndrome de Cushing durante el embarazo: manifestaciones cutáneas secundarias a un tumor suprarrenal / Cushing's syndrome secondary to adrenal tumor during pregnancy

El síndrome de Cushing secundario a tumor suprarrenal es una patología infrecuente en el embarazo. Su presencia se traduce en un aumento significativo de la morbimortalidad materna y fetal. Muchas de sus características clínicas son enmascaradas por los cambios propios de una gestación fisiológica, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico. En este contexto las manifestaciones dermatológicas pueden ser de gran utilidad en la sospecha clínica precoz. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 26 años de edad que en el segundo trimestre de embarazo inicia un cuadro caracterizado por acné inflamatorio severo e hirsutismo. La gestación se interrumpe a las 35 semanas por síndrome hipertensivo del embarazo y rotura prematura de membranas. Durante el puerperio consulta al dermatólogo presentando aún las lesiones descritas, además de estrías violáceas gruesas en abdomen, facie de luna, obesidad centrípeta y máculas purpúricas en zonas de presión. Se diagnóstica síndrome de Cushing. El estudio confirmatorio y etiológico dirigido evidenció un adenoma de corteza suparrenal. El diagnóstico de laboratorio es difícil debido a los cambios físicos y de laboratorio habituales del embarazo que pueden mimetizar los hallazgos propios de la enfermedad. Los hallazgos dermatológicos pueden ser de gran valor para un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz. Las lesiones dermatológicas secundarias al hipercortisolismo fueron de difícil manejo...

Cushing's syndrome secondary to adrenal tumor is a rare pathology in pregnancy. Its presence results in a significant increase in maternal and fetal morbimortality. Many of its clinical features are masked by the typical changes of a physiological pregnancy, which make difficult the diagnosis. Indeed, skin manifestations may be useful in early clinical suspicion. We report a case of a 26 year old in the second trimester with severe inflammatory acne and hirsutism. The pregnancy is interrupted at 35 weeks for pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome and premature rupture ovular membranes. During the puerperium, patient consulted a dermatologist presenting still the injuries described, as well as thick purple striae throughout the abdomen, moon face, truncal obesity and purpuric macules in pressure zones. Cushing's syndrome is diagnosed. The study showed a cortex suprarenal adenoma. Laboratory diagnosis is difficult because the pregnancy physical changes and routine laboratory findings that can mimic the disease themselves. Dermatological findings may be valuable for diagnosis and early treatment. The skin lesions secondary to hypercortisolism were difficult to manage...

Ovarian intratumoral 21-hydroxylase deficiency in a postmenopausal hirsute woman / Deficiência de 21-hidroxilase ovariana intratumoral na virilização da mulher pós-menopausa

Virilising ovarian tumours are a rare cause of hyperandrogenism in women, accounting for less than 5% of all ovarian neoplasms. It occurs most often in - and postmenopausal women. We report a case of a 64 year-old woman with signs of virilisation that had started 3 years before. Blood hormone analysis revealed increased levels of testosterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The tetracosactin test revealed 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Radiological imaging demonstrated a nodule in her left ovary. The patient was submitted to bilateral laparoscopic oophorectomy, and histopathological examination revealed a luteoma of the left ovary. Postoperative serum testosterone level and 17-hydroxyprogesterone returned to normal levels in one month. Virilism regressed within six months. Our patient also showed an elevation in 17-OHP serum levels. Normalization of 17-OHP after oophorectomy suggests a case of intratumoral 21-hydroxylase deficiency. To our knowledge, this is the first description of ovarian intratumoral 21-hydroxylase deficiency in a postmenopausal woman. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(9):672-6.

Tumores ovarianos virilizantes são uma causa rara de hiperandrogenismo em mulheres, contabilizando menos de 5% de todos as neoplasias ovarianas. Esses tumores ocorrem mais comumente em mulheres em peri ou pós-menopausa. Relatamos aqui o caso de uma mulher de 64 anos de idade com sintomas de virilização que começaram 3 anos antes. O perfil hormonal revelou níveis aumentados de testosterona e de 17-hidroxiprogesterona (17-OHP). O teste de tetracosactin demonstrou deficiência de 21-hidroxilase. Exames radiológicos mostraram um nódulo no ovário esquerdo. A paciente foi submetida à ooforectomia laparoscópica bilateral e o exame histopatológico revelou um luteoma no ovário esquerdo. A concentração sérica de testosterona e de 17-hidroxiprogesterona após a cirurgia retornou aos níveis normais em um mês. A virilização regrediu em 6 meses. Nossa paciente também revelou uma elevação dos níveis séricos de 17-OHP. A normalização da 17-OHP após a ooforectomia sugere um caso de deficiência de 21-hidroxilase intratumoral. Esta é a primeira descrição de deficiência de 21-hidroxilase intratumoral em uma mulher na pós-menopausa. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(9):672-6.

Ovarian hemangioma with stromal luteinization and HCG-producing mononucleate and multinucleate cells of uncertain histogenesis: A rare co-existence with therapeutic dilemma.

A 21 year old female presented with amenorrhea, hirsutism and change in voice along with an elevated serum β-HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) level and normal CA-125 level. Laparotomy revealed an enlarged right ovary measuring 6 × 5 × 1 cms with presence of an ovarian hemangioma along with stromal luteinization and HCG producing mononucleate as well as multinucleate cells of uncertain histogenesis on histopathological examination. Immunohistochemistry for inhibin and calretinin were positive in the luteinized component whereas β-HCG and Ki-67 were positive in the multinucleate cell component. The diagnostic rarity and therapeutic dilemma of such a rare mixed tumor within a single ovary has proven to be an exceptional case and an excellent investigative opportunity.

Síndrome do ovário policístico: abordagem dermatológica / Polycystic ovary syndrome: a dermatologic approach

A síndrome do ovário policístico (SOP) é uma das endocrinopatias mais freqüentes nas mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Caracteriza-se por morbidade elevada devido aos aspectos estéticos e por repercussões metabólicas importantes. Embora a sua patogênese permaneça incompletamente conhecida, acredita-se numa desordem multigênica complexa, incluindo anormalidades no eixo hipotálamohipofisário, esteroidogênese e resistência insulínica. Os achados principais para o diagnóstico são: hiperandrogenismo, anovulação crônica e ovários policísticos à ultrassonografia. As manifestações dermatológicas do hiperandrogenismo incluem: hirsutismo, acne, seborréia, alopecia e, em casos mais graves, sinais de virilização. Existe considerável heterogeneidade nos achados clínicos e também pode haver variação na mesma paciente com o passar do tempo. O tratamento visa reduzir as manifestações do hiperandrogenismo, restaurar os ciclos ovulatórios regulares e corrigir a síndrome metabólica. Este artigo apresenta revisão da fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome do ovário policístico. Enfatiza-se a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces no intuito de prevenir as complicações metabólicas e a repercussão emocional que afeta a qualidade de vida das pacientes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) is one of the most common endocrine abnormalities affecting women of reproductive age. It is a cause of significant social embarrassment and emotional distress. The pathogenesis of the disease is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be a complex multigenic disorder, including abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, steroidogenesis, and insulin resistance. The main diagnostic findings of the syndrome are: hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology seen on ultrasound. Hyperandrogenism is generally manifested as hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and, in severe cases, signs of virilization. Treatment may improve the clinical manifestations of excess androgen production, normalize menses and ameliorate metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. This article reviews the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, metabolic complications, and treatment of the syndrome. Early diagnosis and the consequent early treatment may prevent metabolic complications and emotional distress that negatively impact the patients' quality of life.

Prevalence of polycystic ovaries among patients with hirsutism and menstrual abnormalities

Polycystic ovaries are considered to be the most frequent cause of hirsutism with its prevalence of 10% of woman of reproductive age group. Polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] reflects multiple potential etiologies and variable clinical presentations. To investigate the prevalence of polycystic ovaries among patients with hirsutism and menstrual abnormalities [oligo- or oligohypomenorrhea] and to correlate presence of hirsutism with BMI, polycystic ovaries, ovarian volume and biochemical markers. All patients who presented with oligo- or oligohypomenorrhea or hirsutism either in outpatient clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shalamar Hospital or a private laser clinic were enrolled in study. Patients who had hirsutism with normal menstrual cycle were excluded from study. Enrolled patients were categorized into two groups on basis of hirsutism, group 1: oligomenorrhea/oligohypomenorrhea with hirsutism and group 2: oligomenorrhea/oligohypomenorrhea without hirsutism. A detailed clinical history, clinical examination, hormonal profile and abdominopelvic ultrasound were done in all patients. SPSS- version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Out of 90 patients who enrolled in the study, 10 did not report back, so were excluded from study. Out of 80 patients with menstrual problem, 55 [68.7%] had hirsutism [group 1] and 25 [31.3%] had no hirsutism [group 2]. Prevalence of polycystic ovaries was 815% among patients with hirsutism and oligo/oligohypomenorrhea [group 1] as compared to 44% in patients with oligo/oligohypomenorrhea without hirsutism [group 2]. Ovarian volume >10ml and BMI were not statistically significant among both groups. Regarding hormonal profile, serum LH/FSH ratio and testosterone levels were significant among patients with hirsutism as compared to without hirsutism. Prevalence of polycystic ovaries by morphology, FSH/LH ratio and serum testosterone are significantly present among patients with oligo/oligohypomenorrhea and hirsutism as compared to those with oligo/oligohypomennorhea without hirsutism. However Ovarian volume and BMI are not statistically significant among both groups

[Etiological diagnosis of hirsutism in premenopausal Iranian women]

Hirsutism is defined as the presence of terminal hairs in androgen dependent areas in women. It is a common clinical condition and affects 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features and etiologic factors of hirsutism in premenopausal women. In this cross-sectional study, 200 premenopausal women with hirsutism who were admitted at our dermatologic clinic during a 2-year period were nivestigated. After a careful history and physical examination, a transabdominal ultrasonography of the ovaries and laboratory evaluation including early morning total testosterone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S] and 17-hydroxyprogestron in all patients and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] in 10 patients were performed. Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] was the most common cause of the hirsutism [54.5%] followed by idiopathic hirsutism [40%]. Other causes of hirsutism were prolactinoma [2%], hypothyroidism [1%] and drugs intake [2.5%]. Hirsutism was mild in 109 patients [54.5%], moderate in 85 patients [42.5%] and severe in 6 patients [3%]. Family history of hirsutism was present in 105 [52.5%] patients. Clinical conditions associated with hirsutism were: acne [52.5%], menstrual irregularity [35%], androgenetic alopecia [15%], acanthosis negricans [7.5%] and obesity [37.5%]. PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism are the most common cause of the hirsutism in premenopausal women. A detailed history and physical exam often provide enough information to determine the etiology of hirsutism

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

Diagnóstico etiológico do hirsutismo e implicações para o tratamento: [revisão] / Etiological diagnosis of hirsutism and implications for the treatment: [review]

O hirsutismo é definido como a presença de pelos terminais na mulher, em áreas anatômicas características de distribuição masculina. Pode se manifestar como queixa isolada ou ser acompanhada de outros sinais de hiperandrogenismo, virilização, distúrbios menstruais e/ou infertilidade, e está associado aos níveis circulantes de androgênios e à sensibilidade cutânea a estes hormônios. As causas mais prevalentes do hirsutismo são a síndrome dos ovários policísticos e o hirsutismo isolado, na presença de ciclos ovulatórios. Menos frequentes são as hiperplasias adrenais congênitas forma não-clássica por deficiência da 21-hidroxilase, bem como o hirsutismo secundário ao uso de medicamentos. Outras causas mais raras são a síndrome de Cushing e os tumores virilizantes. A avaliação diagnóstica deve focar na identificação da etiologia e do risco para comorbidades eventualmente associadas. Os objetivos do tratamento são: suprimir o excesso de androgênios, quando houver; bloquear a ação dos androgênios no folículo pilo-sebáceo; identificar pacientes com risco para distúrbios metabólicos e/ou de neoplasias do trato reprodutivo e proceder à sua prevenção primária e secundária.

Hirsutism may be defined as the presence of terminal hair in the women, with a male pattern of distribution. The clinical presentation is variable, from isolated hirsutism to the presence of other signs of hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities and/or infertility. Hirsutism is related to serum androgens and to the cutaneous sensitivity to these hormones. The most prevalent causes of hirsutism are polycystic ovary syndrome and isolated hirsutism, in the presence of ovulatory cycles. Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency) and drug-induced hirsutism are less frequent causes. Androgen-secreting neoplasms and Cushing syndrome are rare etiologies related to hirsutism. Diagnostic evaluation should address on identifying the etiology and potential risk for associated comorbidities. The aims of the treatment are: to suppress androgen overproduction, if present; to block androgen action on hair follicles; to identify and treat patients at risk for metabolic disturbances or reproductive neoplasias.

Treatment of idiopathic facial hirsutism with medroxyprogesterone acetate iontophoresis

Hirsutism is a major psychosocial problem amongst young girls and women. Medroxyprogesterone acetate [MPA] is a progestational agent with antiandrogen effects, and has a role in the treatment of hirsutism, but very little research has been done to utilize this therapeutic effect of the drug. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of iontophoretically administered MPA on idiopathic facial hirsutism independent of reduction in serum androgen levels. The study was conducted in Military Hospital Rawalpindi for 2 years. Thirty women aged 18-30 years [mean age 24 years] having idiopathic facial hirsutism between Ferriman Gallwey grade 2-3 were recruited in the trial. 1 ml of 7.5% aqueous solution of MPA was applied iontophoretically twice weekly for 16-weeks. The target areas were right and left cheeks, while the chin was taken as control. The response to treatment was evaluated by the assessment of hair density, thickness of hair, and rate of hair growth at baseline and end of the study. Blood samples were also taken, at baseline and the end of the study, to measure serum testosterone [T] and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate [DS] levels. MPA iontophoresis significantly reduced the hair length, manifesting as reduction in the rate of hair growth, without any significant local side effects or effects on serum androgen levels. MPA iontophoresis is a safe, effective and well-tolerated therapy in idiopathic facial hirsutism

Ovarian hyperthecosis in the context of an adrenal incidentaloma in a postmenopausal woman / Coexistência de incidentaloma adrenal e hipertecose de ovário em mulher menopausada

Adrenal incidentaloma is not infrequent and can be found in hirsute women. We report a case of a 54-year-old woman with amenorrhea and hirsutism of abrupt onset and mild signs of virilization that had an adrenal incidentaloma coexisting with ovarian hyperthecosis. Basal total and free testosterone were 191 ng/dL and 179 pmol/L. Pelvic ultrasonography disclosed a right ovary with 10.3 cc and a left ovary with 9.8 cc without nodules or cysts, and computerized tomography of the abdomen disclosed a normal right adrenal gland. On the left adrenal gland a solid nodule with 0.8 cm was seen. After GnRHa administration, total testosterone was 23 ng/dL and free testosterone was 17 pmol/L. In view of a suppression of testosterone by GnRHa, the patient was submitted to a hystero-oophorectomy by laparoscopy. Symmetrically enlarged ovaries were seen. No tumor was apparent. Histology showed hyperthecosis, with foci of luteinized stromal cells. Only atretic follicles were detected. No hilar cell hyperplasia was seen. In conclusion, the presence of an adrenal mass in a hirsute woman can lead to a wrong diagnosis. In this case the suppression GnRHa test was fundamental to determine the origin of hyperandrogenemia.

Os incidentalomas adrenais não são infreqüentes e podem ser encontrados em pacientes com hirsutismo. Nesse relato, apresentamos o caso de coexistência de um incidentaloma adrenal com hipertecose de ovário, em uma mulher com 54 anos de idade com amenorréia e hirsutismo de início abrupto e sinais leves de virilização. As testosteronas total e livre basal foram de 191 ng/dL e 179 pmol/L, respectivamente. O ultra-som pélvico demonstrou o ovário direito com 10,3 cc e ovário esquerdo com 9,8 cc, sem nódulos ou cistos e a tomografia computadorizada de abdome demonstrou adrenal direita adrenal e nódulo sólido de 0,8 cm na adrenal esquerda. Após a administração de análogo de GnRH, as testosteronas total e livre foram de 23 ng/dL e 17 pmol/L, respectivamente. Considerando a supressão da concentração de testosterona pelo análogo de GnRH, a paciente foi submetida a histeroooforectomia por via laparoscópica. O diagnóstico histológico foi de hipertecose, com focos de células estromais luteinizadas. Somente folículos atréticos foram visualizados. Não se detectou hiperplasia de células hilares. Em conclusão, a presença de massa adrenal em uma paciente com hirsutismo pode levar ao diagnóstico errado. Neste caso, o teste de supressão com análogo de GnRH foi fundamental para se determinar a origem da hiperandrogenemia.

Síndrome de ovario poliquístico / Ovarian polycistic syndrome

El síndrome de ovario poliquístico constituye un trastorno endocrino frecuente en las mujeres. Se manifiesta fundamentalmente por alteraciones en el ciclo menstrual y en la fertilidad. Sin embargo, confiere también aumento del riesgo cardiovascular a largo plazo. En el presente artículo el autor revisa la definición, fisiopatogenia, manifestaciones clínicas, pronóstico y fundamentos del manejo y tratamiento farmacológico del mismo.

Clinical presentation and etiologic factors of hirsutism in premenopausal Iranian women

Hirsutism is a common clinical condition with different etiologies. Many of these patients have frank or subclinical abnormalities in the abnormalities in the adrenal and ovarian steroidogenisis. The disease may be associated with other clinical signs of hyperandrogenism. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features of hirsutism and its etiologic factors in premenopausal Iranian women. In a cross-sectional study, 790 consecutive premenopausal women referred to the dermatology Clinics of Hazrat-e Rasool and Firrozgar University Hospitals and three private dermatology clinics during 2001-2003 with the clinical diagnosis of hirsutism were studied. All patients underwent detailed clinical assessment and transabdominal ultrasonography of the ovaries. Endocrinologic work-up was performed for 285 patients. Hiusutism was mild in 65%, moderate in 32.5%, and severe in 2.5% of the patients. Positive family history was found in 56.2%. Hormonal studies revealed some abnormalities in 35.2% of the patients. Coexisting medical conditions included acne in 70% of the patients, menstrual irregularity in 38.6%, androgenic alopecia in 21.3%, obesity in 6.5%, acanthosis nigricans in 4.9%, and diabetes in 0.6% of the patients. Etiology of hirsutism was identified as polycystic ovary syndrome [62.53%], idiopathic [35.19%], congenital adrenal hyperplasia [0.38%], prolactinoma [0.13%], and undetermined [1.77%]. Polycystic ovary syndrome was diagnosed more frequently in women with menstrual irregularity than eumenorrheic patients [97.70% vs. 40.41%,P<0.001]. Hirsute patients frequently have either elevated androgen levels or clinical conditions associated with hyperandrogenemia. Eumenorrhea does not rule out endocrine abnormality and particularly polycystic ovary syndrome which is a common cause of hirsutism. We recommend performing endocrinologic work up, investigation of coexisting hyperandrogenic states, and evaluation of polycystic ovary syndrome in all patients with hirsutism

Calidad de vida en mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico / Quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

El síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP) afecta entre un 5-10 por ciento de las mujeres en edad reproductiva y constituye la endocrinopatía más frecuente de la población adolescente de nuestro país. Su diversa sintomatología puede provocar un impacto en la calidad de vida de las mujeres, lo que amenaza la identidad femenina en ellas. Esta revisión bibliográfica tiene como objetivo conocer de qué manera el SOP afecta la calidad de vida de las mujeres. La literatura señala que al comparar la calidad de vida entre mujeres sanas y con SOP, éstas últimas presentan un deterioro en diversos dominios estudiados con instrumentos generales. Al ser evaluada la calidad de vida de mujeres con SOP, por medio de un instrumento específico para dicha patología, los dominios más afectados fueron: el área de problemas menstruales, emociones y vello corporal. Investigaciones que evalúan el efecto de la sintomatología del SOP por separado en la calidad de vida de las mujeres señalan igualmente un impacto negativo. Se concluye en base a esta revisión que el SOP afecta la calidad de vida en sus diferentes dimensiones, por lo que se postula la importancia de evaluar este parámetro en las mujeres afectadas y la necesidad de que los profesionales de la salud lo consideren al momento de evaluar la intervención realizada.

MR Imaging of Pregnancy Luteoma: a Case Report and Correlation with the Clinical Features

We report here on a 26-year-old pregnant female who developed hirsutism and virilization during her third trimester along with a significantly elevated serum testosterone level. Abdominal US and MR imaging studies were performed, and they showed unique imaging features that may suggest the diagnosis of pregnancy luteoma in the clinical context. After the delivery, the serum testosterone level continued to decrease, and it returned to normal three weeks postpartum. The follow-up imaging findings were closely correlated with the clinical presentation.