Abstract:
Objective To describe the clinical and ultrasonographic
features of children with ovarian lesions presenting with
endocrine manifestations.
Method The records of patients under 12 years of age
with ovarian lesions admitted to the Royal Children's
Hospital in Melbourne, Australia during an 11 year
period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients
presenting with endocrine manifestations were identified
and further analysed.
Results Out of 49 patients < 12 years of age presenting
with ovarian lesions, 7 had endocrine manifestations.
Their ages ranged from 6 months to 11.6 years. 3
patients each had early onset of puberty and precocious
puberty while one had evidence of virilisation. These
were found in association with both benign and
malignant ovarian lesions. A palpable abdominal mass
was found in 3 patients. The size of the lesion on
ultrasound scan was recorded in 4 patients and the
consistency in 6. Two patients had lesions >10 cm and
in 3 the consistency was recorded as being complex
(cystic and solid).
Conclusion Endocrine manifestations associated with
ovarian lesions are rare in children. But a girl presenting
with abnormal pubertal changes should be evaluated
carefully as these features can be associated with benign
and malignant tumours of the ovary as well as with
physiological cysts.
