Gynecomastia disclosing diagnosis of Leydig cell tumour in a man withthalassemia, secondary hypogonadism and testis microlithiasis

Gynecomastia disclosing diagnosis of Leydig cell tumour in a man withthalassemia, secondary hypogonadism and testis microlithiasis

Authors

  • M. Wasniewska
  • G. Raiola
  • T. Arrigo
  • M. C. Galati, et al.

Keywords:

Gynecomastia, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Leydig cell tumour, testicular microlithiasis, thalassemia

Abstract

Aim of this paper is to report about a 35-year old man suffering from β-Thalassemia major and longstanding untreated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, who was referred because of a recent onset and painful bilateral gynecomastia, with no palpable testicular masses. Due to the finding of a solid mass at left testis ultrasonography, monolateral testicular exeresis was performed and histology revealed a Leydig Cell Tumour and testicular microlithiasis. Post-surgical restoration of testosterone/estradiol ratio under testosterone therapy was followed by a very rapid reduction of gynecomastia. Our report confirms the usefulness of scrotal ultrasonography for finding an occult testicular tumour in a patient with painful and recent onset bilateral gynecomastia and underlines: a) the important role of testosterone/estradiol ratio in the pathophysiology of gynecomastia; b) the questionable significance of testicular microlithiasis as marker of testis tumours; c) the possible association between β-Thalassemia and tumoral pathologies.

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Published

01-12-2009

Issue

Section

CASE REPORTS

How to Cite

1.
Wasniewska M, Raiola G, Arrigo T, Galati, et al. MC. Gynecomastia disclosing diagnosis of Leydig cell tumour in a man withthalassemia, secondary hypogonadism and testis microlithiasis. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2009 Dec. 1 [cited 2024 Jul. 27];80(3):286-8. Available from: https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/1185