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Androgen-secreting adrenal adenomas

Danilowicz K, Albiger N, Vanegas M, Gómez RM, Cross G, Bruno OD

Obstetrics and gynecology, 2002

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The androgen source in women with hirsutism and signs of virilism may be the ovary or adrenal gland.

CASES: Three patients with androgen excess are reported. Two had hyperandrogenemia and Cushing syndrome with an adrenal mass greater than 5.5 cm; the third had a small adrenal adenoma secreting only testosterone and responsive to human chorionic gonadotropin. In all cases, the pathologic report from surgery and the long-term resolution of symptoms confirmed the benign nature of the tumors.

CONCLUSION: Basal and dynamic hormonal tests cannot precisely differentiate ovarian from adrenal tumors. Adrenal adenomas must be considered as a cause of hyperandrogenic syndrome.

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