Testosterone synthesis by a Brenner tumor

A case of hypertension with virilisation during pregnancy

This case report describes the onset of hypertension and virilisation during pregnancy due to a Brenner tumour.

Virilisation in a case of transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary

A 52 year old woman presented with a five month history of emotional changes, voice changes, and of abdominal discomfort. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological examinations showed evidence of virilisation, raised testosterone, and a complex ovarian mass. Microscopy of the resection specimen showed the tumour to be a transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary with luteinisation and hyperplasia of the intervening stromal cells. This is a unique case of virilisation caused by transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary. Theories as to the origin of testosterone production in non-functioning ovarian tumours are discussed.

Brenner tumor of the ovary: immunoanalysis of steroidogenic enzymes in 23 cases

Immunohistochemical analysis of cytochromes P-450 aromatase and P-450 17 alpha-hydroxylase, which catalyze the production of estrogens and androgens, respectively, was performed for 23 cases of ovarian Brenner tumor. Immunoreactivity for P-450 aromatase was observed in the epithelial cells of the tumor distinctly in two cases and faintly in four cases, while immunoreactivity for P-450 17 alpha-hydroxylase was seen in two cases. No immunoreactivity was observed in the stromal cells of the tumors, nor were luteinized cells observed in the cases examined. No correlation was observed between the immunoreactivity of cytochromes P-450 in the epithelial cells of the tumor and endometrial abnormalities. These findings, together with a review of the literature, suggest that the usual Brenner tumor is not associated with specific steroidogenesis. Rare massive Brenner tumors may, however, be capable of androgenic or estrogenic activity.

Bilateral Brenner tumors: a case report and review of the literature

Although the first Brenner tumor was reported in 1898 by MacNaughton-Jones, it was not until 1907 that Fritz Brenner described the tumor that bears his name. Since then more than 500 cases have been reported with bilaterality ranging from 3.7 to 8.0 per cent. However, this percentage is probably high. The tumor was originally thought to arise from follicular epithelium. Several other etiologies of the Brenner tumor have been suggested, including celomic surface epithelium, Walthard rests, teratoma, urothelium, and rete ovarii. The majority of Brenner tumors are inert, but there have been reports suggesting endocrine activity. The question of malignant transformation of the Brenner tumor has gained attention since Von Numers described the first malignant Brenner tumor in 1945. The determination of malignancy of these tumors has been hampered by vague histologic criteria for malignancy. The confusion surrounding the histogenesis, hormonal capabilities, and malignant potential of the Brenner tumor has persisted. A case report of bilateral Brenner tumors of the ovaries is presented as well as a review of the literature with emphasis on the bilaterality of Brenner tumors.