ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hormone production is a characteristic associated with the presence of solid tumors in the ovary. We present a case of a solitary ovarian cyst producing large amounts of testosterone and presenting with rapid onset of hirsutism. CASE: A woman presented approximately 6 months postpartum with irregular menses and rapid onset of hirsutism. Laboratory and radiologic evaluation indicated an ovarian cyst as the source. On removal, the cyst was found to have high amounts of testosterone in its fluid and the surrounding stroma had nests of luteinized cells. CONCLUSION: The chronic anovulation in the postpartum period may have prolonged the lifespan of the luteinized stromal cells, resulting in high levels of circulating testosterone and causing rapid progression of hirsutism.
Subject(s)
Hirsutism/etiology , Ovarian Cysts/metabolism , Ovarian Cysts/pathology , Ovary/pathology , Testosterone/biosynthesis , Adult , Dehydroepiandrosterone/analogs & derivatives , Dehydroepiandrosterone/biosynthesis , Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate , Female , Humans , Hyperplasia/pathology , Luteal Cells/pathology , Ovarian Cysts/complications , Postpartum Period , Stromal Cells/pathology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Pythium insidiosum is a fungus-like organism known to infect a variety of animals. In humans, the few known cases involving Pythium have included arterial infections and cellulitis. We present what we believe to be the first case of P. insidiosum recovered from a human corneal ulcer. The organism is difficult to isolate, causing delays in diagnosis. It is also resistant to the usual antifungal medications, making surgical excision the treatment of choice.
