Tumor-level serum testosterone associated with human immunodeficiency virus lipodystrophy syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) lipodystrophy syndrome consists of insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, increased waist-to-hip ratios, and relative hyperandrogenemia, which resembles polycystic ovary syndrome.

CASE: A 30-year-old HIV-positive multipara with lipodystrophy syndrome had an elevated level of serum total testosterone (244 ng/dL) in the tumor range.

CONCLUSION

In HIV lipodystrophy syndrome, marked elevations of total serum testosterone in the range reserved for androgen-producing tumors may occur. The elevated testosterone levels are derived from the ovary and are responsive to gonadotropin suppression.