[Retrograde vascular catheterization as a differential diagnostic method of studying androgenization in the female]

In 20 women with marked androgynism or testosterone concentrations being suspected for a tumor blood samples were taken by selective retrograde catheterization of the ovarian and suprarenal veins via vena femoralis. Testosterone, 17 beta-estradiol, and progesterone were determined and the concentration gradients to peripheral blood levels were calculated. In 20% of patients an pure adrenal and in 5% an ovarian hypersecretion of testosterone was established. A combined adrenal-ovarian hypersecretion was found in 50%. In 25% of the cases no final estimation was made because anatomic variations in venous size and drainage made catheterization and bilateral blood sampling impossible. There were no references to an androgen-secreting tumor.