Testosterone-Secreting Adrenal Adenoma Containing Crystalloids of Reinke in an Adult Female Patient
April 1995
in “
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
”
Studysummary This case study describes a testosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma in a 55-year-old woman, highlighting the presence of Reinke's crystalloids, suggesting that Leydig cells may play a role in such tumors.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document described a rare case of a testosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma in a 55-year-old woman, which contained crystalloids of Reinke, typically found in Leydig cells. The patient exhibited symptoms of virilization, such as increased hair growth and a deep voice, with a significantly elevated serum testosterone level. After the surgical removal of the right adrenal gland, her testosterone levels returned to normal and remained stable for 2 years. This case supported the hypothesis that Leydig cells might have been present in the adrenal gland and played a role in the development of testosterone-secreting adrenal tumors. The presence of Reinke's crystalloids in such tumors, although rare, suggested a possible gonadal origin of these cells within the adrenal gland.
