Abstract
Background: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors account for less than 1% of ovarian tumors, and information about their biochemical markers has been lacking. Objective: The objective was to characterize the hormonal profile of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, which should be helpful in recognizing this rare condition in the future. Methods: We reviewed test results including serum total and free testosterone, steroid hormone precursors, and inhibin B levels in a 17-year-old adolescent girl with ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor who developed secondary amenorrhea for 6 months, deepening of the voice, acne, and severe hirsutism. Results: Our patient had serum testosterone 641 ng/dL (expected 20 - 38), dihydrotestosterone 42.5 ng/dL (expected 3 - 18), 17-OH progesterone 659 ng/dL (expected 20 - 265), androstenedione 869 ng/dL (expected 50 - 224), 17-OH pregnenolone 760 ng/dL (expected 53 - 357), DHEA 1250 ng/dL (expected 4 - 491), and DHEA-S of 366 mcg/dL (expected 44 - 248). Inhibin B level was 321 pg/mL (expected <136); inhibin A was normal. Anti-mullerian hormone, a-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CA-125 tumor markers were not elevated. Karyotype was female 46,XX. Dexamethasone 0.5 mg QID PO for 4 days resulted in plasma ACTH <5.0 pg/mL and serum cortisol <1.0 mcg/dL, total testosterone 611 ng/dL, free testosterone 25.1 ng/dL (expected <0.04 - 1.09 ng/dL), and 17-OH progesterone 887 ng/dL. Abdomen and pelvis MRI demonstrated a right ovarian mass primarily solid with high cellularity, measured 4.4 x 3.9 cm; there was at least moderate diffuse enhancement of the mass after contrast administration; adrenal glands were normal. Surgical pathology of the resected right ovary revealed moderately to poorly differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. Single antibody immunostain procedures with appropriate controls showed a staining pattern supportive of this rare diagnosis: WT-1 showed moderate nuclear staining, calretinin showed a strong positive stain, and CK showed a patchy moderate staining pattern; immunostains for myogenin, desmin, and EMA were negative. Genetic testing revealed a germline heterozygous mutation in DICER1 gene, c3737del, p.Asn1246Metfs*12, establishing the diagnosis of DICER1 syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder predisposing to cancer. Menses resumed one month after tumor resection. Conclusions: High serum 17-OH progesterone, androstenedione, 17-OH pregnenolone, and DHEA levels used as indicators of adrenocortical function could be markers of an ovarian tumor. If serum 17-OH progesterone and testosterone remain high when cortisol and plasma ACTH are suppressed on Dexamethasone test, a source of 17-OH progesterone and testosterone is other than ACTH-dependent adrenal one. High serum inhibin B level may be sign of an ovarian tumor. Patients with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor should be screened for DICER1 gene syndrome to assess risk for other rare neoplasms.
SERTOLI - LEYDIG CELL TUMOR : A RARE OVARIAN TUMOR
