Testosterone-producing solitary ovarian cyst with luteinized stromal-cell hyperplasia.

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.