Luteinizing hormone elevation in ovarian granulosa cell tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Shengyuan Ran,Ling Xu,Shan Deng,Qi Yu

doi:10.1186/s13048-017-0327-2

Abstract

BackgroundOvarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common type of potentially malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor. GCTs often produce estrogen and/or progesterone; consequently, symptoms related to hyperestrogenism are common at diagnosis. Nonspecific symptoms or signs associated with this neoplasm include amenorrhea and changes in various sex hormone levels, which can be hard to diagnose or explain. The aims of this report were to describe a case of GCT with rare presentations and to review the pertinent literature.Case presentationA 33-year-old woman presented with secondary amenorrhea and elevated LH with normal FSH and low estradiol levels. Laparoscopy revealed an ovarian GCT, and the patient underwent left adnexectomy and platinum-based chemotherapy. Removal of the ovarian GCT resulted in the normalization of LH levels and a return to spontaneous menses.ConclusionsThe mechanisms responsible for elevations in serum LH due to GCTs require further investigation. However, addressing the patient’s clinical problems remains the most important treatment consideration.

Highlights

Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common type of potentially malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor
GCTs are functional tumors derived from the mesenchymal stroma of the gonad and typically presents with the elevation of sex steroids, primarily hyperoestrogenism [2]
We report a case of histologically confirmed GCT that presented with secondary amenorrhea and elevation of only Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, with normal Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and low estradiol levels and review the pertinent literature

Summary

Introduction

Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common type of potentially malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor. Nonspecific symptoms or signs associated with this neoplasm include amenorrhea and changes in various sex hormone levels, which can be hard to diagnose or explain. The aims of this report were to describe a case of GCT with rare presentations and to review the pertinent literature. Case presentation: A 33-year-old woman presented with secondary amenorrhea and elevated LH with normal FSH and low estradiol levels. GCTs are the most common type of potentially malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor and comprise to 5% of all ovarian malignancies [1]. We report a case of histologically confirmed GCT that presented with secondary amenorrhea and elevation of only LH levels, with normal FSH and low estradiol levels and review the pertinent literature.

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Conclusion