Hyperthecosis of the ovaries in acromegaly

Clinical and endocrine features of a patient with ovarian hyperthecosis and a growth hormone-secreting pituitary tumor are reported. A 36-year-old nulliparous woman had a history of severe hirsutism and virilization of long duration. Ovarian catheterization studies at surgery confirmed an ovarian source of excessive androgen production. Ovarian pathology revealed stromal hyperthecosis. Growth hormone levels were elevated and could not be suppressed with glucose ingestion; a pneumoencephalogram revealed the presence of a pituitary tumor. The possible cause-and-effect relationship of these 2 relatively uncommon disorders is discussed.