[Stein-Leventhal syndrome. 1. Differential diagnosis by laparoscopy (author's transl)]

The Stein-Leventhal syndrome is characterized by typical clinical signs, but diagnosis still remains to be somewhat difficult. No characteristic hormonal profile is detectable. Laparoscopy in conjunction with ovarian biopsy, and with due consideration of clinical symptoms, has proved to be the most reliable approach to diagnosis. Problems implied in differential diagnosis are expounded, with reference being made to various pathological patterns of the ovaries. Stein-Leventhal syndrome was diagnosed in 49 cases (3.22 per cent) in the author's gynaecological hospital, between 1974 and 1979. The patients concerned accounted for 0.2 per cent of all gynaecological cases and for 4.76 per cent of all sterility cases. Their average age was 22.4 years. No unambiguous findings were recorded from endocrinological parameters, though testosterone levels were pathologically increased in 47 per cent.