[Testicular adrenal rest tumors in adolescents].

BACKGROUND

Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) frequently occur in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and can be detected and treated in childhood as well as in adolescence. Due to the intricate dilimitation to other testicular masses the correct diagnosis of TART can be problematic. An extensive endocrinologic evaluation and ultrasound examination are mandatory. Even though TART are benign lesions a high-dose therapy with glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid suppletion is necessary for protecion or regain of fertility.

METHODS

A surgical approach can be considered, depending on stage of disease and response on drug therapy. Consequent treatment and constant therapy monitoring might significantly improve long-term outcome.

RESULTS

Currently there is no validated standard therapy concept, which can be explained by the heterogenity of disease patterns progression and the limited data available, respectively. Therefore treatment should be subject to specialized centres.