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Transient sexual precocity and ovarian cysts
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Ovarian cysts can cause temporary precocious puberty in young girls. Ultrasound effectively diagnoses these cysts, which often resolve spontaneously, though some may recur.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Precocious puberty, or early onset of puberty, can be a concern in young girls.
- Ovarian pathology is a potential cause of precocious puberty.
Observation:
- Nine girls under 7 years old with transient sexual precocity were studied.
- Large ovarian cysts were identified in three girls via ultrasound and one via laparotomy.
- Symptoms resolved after cyst removal in two girls.
Findings:
- Seven girls experienced spontaneous remission of precocious puberty symptoms.
- Two girls had recurrent transient breast development and bleeding, with one showing new ovarian cyst formation.
- Endocrine studies revealed elevated plasma estradiol levels in three girls and a blunted luteinizing hormone response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation in two.
Implications:
- Ovarian cyst formation and spontaneous resolution can lead to transient sexual precocity in girls.
- Ultrasound is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring ovarian cysts causing precocious puberty.
- Understanding the natural history of these cysts is crucial for appropriate clinical management.