Stein-Leventhal Syndrome in Sisters — The Possible Role of Genetic Factors in the “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome”

Abstract

SummaryTwo pairs of sisters are reported who showed clinical, morphologic, and hormone abnormalities, such as to be classified in the picture of the so-called Stein-Leventhal syndrome.These cases, as other few similar observations, may suggest the possibility that, at least in some instances, the Stein-Leventhal syndrome can be governed by factors of a genetic order.After a short review of the literature on this subject, it is pointed out that enough evidence supports the existence of predisposing genetic factors to the manifestation of the syndrome, although a true heredity of the disease cannot at the moment be entirely supported. Also some fraternal cases could find an explanation in lesional actions repeated during subsequent pregnancies.