Sertoli-Leydig cell tumour in a postmenopausal woman showing all facets of the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS)

Abstract

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours are rare sex stromal tumours with an incidence of <0.5% of all ovarian tumours. Most frequently this tumour occurs in young women with a history of amenorrhoea, hirsutism and lowered pitch. Here, we report on a woman with IRS, postmenopausal virilization and increased testosterone levels due to a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumour. This is the first case to suggest an association between IRS and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours. Furthermore, we highlight the difficulties in detecting this ovarian tumour with sonography.