Luteoma-induced fetal virilization

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2009 Oct;35(5):991-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2009.01046.x.

Abstract

A pregnancy luteoma represents an unusual response of ovarian stromal cells to the altered hormonal levels of pregnancy. It is a distinctive non-neoplastic lesion characterized by solid proliferations of luteinized cells resulting in a tumor-like ovarian enlargement. Most patients are asymptomatic; the ovarian enlargement is usually discovered incidentally at cesarean section or during postpartum tubal ligation. We report a typical case that we found at cesarean section to be associated with a virilized infant who manifested clitoromegaly and labial fusion. We detected an increased level of testosterone in the maternal patient. We concluded that the ovarian luteoma induced the fetal virilization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Luteoma / blood
  • Luteoma / complications*
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / blood
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / diagnosis
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Virilism / blood
  • Virilism / etiology*

Substances

  • Testosterone