IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF ANDROGENS BY A VIRILIZING ADRENAL ADENOMA AND ASSOCIATED POLYCYSTIC OVARIES

Abstract

ABSTRACT A case of a virilizing adrenal adenoma in which bilateral Stein-Leventhal ovaries were found is presented. Despite the morphologic similarity, these ovaries did not possess the in vitro potential for increased androgen production demonstrated by polycystic ovaries removed from patients without apparent adrenal disease. These findings lend support to the thesis that, regardless of the organ source, increased androgen production leads to abnormal ovarian function reflected morphologically in follicle maturation arrest.