Analysis of ultrasonic characteristics in 12 cases of ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumour.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the ultrasonic imaging characteristics of ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours (SLCTs) and improve the diagnostic and detection rates of this disease through ultrasound.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of clinical and ultrasound data from 12 cases of SLCTs confirmed by surgery and pathology at Henan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2015 and January 2023 was conducted. All patients underwent transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic images and clinical characteristics of these 12 patients were summarised.

RESULTS

Among the 12 SLCTs, 5 (41.7%) were well-differentiated, 5 (41.7%) were moderately differentiated, 1 (8.3%) was moderately to poorly differentiated, and 1 (8.3%) was of retiform type. Seven tumours (58.3%) were solid, 3 (25.0%) were cystic-solid, and 2 (16.7%) were cystic. Internal blood flow was scored as 4 in 1 case (8.3%), 3 in 7 cases (58.3%), 2 in 2 cases (16.7%), and 1 in 2 cases (16.7%). Peripheral blood flow was scored as 4 in 8 cases (66.7%), 1 in 2 cases (16.7%), and 0 in 2 cases (16.7%). Eight cases (66.7%) showed an overall 'surrounding ball' blood flow pattern. Among the 9 patients with available preoperative testosterone measurements, all 9 had elevated levels.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian SLCTs in this small retrospective series most commonly appeared as unilateral, well-circumscribed solid or cystic-solid adnexal masses, often with prominent peripheral vascularity and, in some cases, a surrounding ball Doppler pattern. These findings should be interpreted as descriptive observations rather than diagnostic criteria. In the appropriate clinical setting, particularly in young patients with hyperandrogenic manifestations, such sonographic features may raise suspicion for SLCT and prompt further diagnostic evaluation.