Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with feminizing sertoli cell tumor

Abstract

A case involving a 6-year-old boy with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and an unilateral feminizing Sertoli cell tumor is described. Endocrinologic studies revealed consistently high plasma and urine levels of estrogens and normal levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. The increased levels of estrogens did not show changes that could be correlated with exogenous gonadotropin administration, thus indicating an autonomous nature. The histopathologic studies of nontumorous testicular tissue revealed changes in the seminiferous tubules which suggested that estrogens, directly or indirectly, may have had both stimulating and atrophying effects. It is concluded that gonadal tumors are in additional manifestation of the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome gene in both male and female patients.