[Selective venous catheterization in the evaluation of androgenism]

In cases of rapidly increasing androgenism, virilism and androgenetic cycle disturbances it is essential to exclude the presence of an androgen-producing tumour. Serum levels of testosterone above 1.5 ng/ml and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate values above 6700 ng/ml are suggestive of tumour. Functional tests, laparoscopy and imaging modalities are often less efficient. Selective vein catheterisation enables the diagnosis and localisation of such hormone-producing neoplasms (Kirschner and Jacobs, 1971). This paper presents the case report of the diagnosis of a Leyding cell tumour of the right ovary by means of selective vein catheterisation. The tumour was not palpable and had not been detected on laparoscopy. The procedure is extensively described and discussed.