Pure leydig cell tumour of the ovary in a post-menopausal patient with severe hyperandrogenism and erythrocytosis

Abstract

A 60-year-old woman, presented with hirsutism, male pattern baldness, deepening voice and plethora over the past 5 years. Hormonal evaluation showed markedly elevated serum testosterone level (>1600 ng/dl) and oestradiol level (220 pg/ml) normal DHEA-SO4 level with suppressed LH and FSH levels. She had markedly erythrocytosis with normal hematological indices. The diagnosis of probable secondary erythrocytosis was made. Trans abdominal ultrasound and CT scan revealed a 14 cm × 11 cm × 9 cm solid pelvic mass. An ovarian androgen secreting tumour was suspected and surgery was performed. Histological examination showed a leydig cell tumour. After the operation testosterone and haematocrit levels returned to normal with regression of clinical symptoms. This is the first case of a leydig cell tumour with an erythropoietic effect of excess testosterone.

Keywords:

• Polycythaemia
• testosterone
• ovarian tumour
• hyperandrogenism
• hypertension

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.