Pure Leydig cell tumour (hilus cell) of the ovary: a rare cause of virilization after menopause

Abstract

A 58-year-old postmenopausal woman with high plasma testosterone levels and virilization, as demonstrated by hirsutism and alopecia, is presented. Urinary 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids as well as the computed axial tomography scan of the adrenal glands were normal. Although no pelvic mass was detected by sonography or pelvic examination, the patient was found to have small pure Leydig cell tumour of the left ovary. Following total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the patient had regression of the hirsutism, and the plasma testosterone dropped to normal level.