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Studies of the Diurnal Pattern of Plasma Corticosteroids and Gonadotropins in Two Cases of Feminizing Adrenal Carcinoma: Measurements of Estrogen and Corticosteroid Production

Department of Oncology and Institute for Steroid Research, Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center Bronx, New York 10467

Reprints to: Dr. R. Boyar, Dept. of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas 75235.

Two adult men with feminizing adrenal cortical carcinoma had measurements of their 24-h plasma corticosteroid and gonadotropin patterns as well as 24-h mean hormone levels of estradiol, estetrol, 11-desoxycortisol, DHEA-S, DHEA and testosterone. Cortisol, 11-desoxycortisol and estrogen production rates were also measured. The 24-h corticosteroid patterns showed preservation of the normal 24-h episodic and circadian patterns, albeit at higher levels. The cortisol production rates were markedly elevated despite only moderate elevation of the 24-h mean cortisol level. There were elevated plasma 11-desoxycortisol levels and a markedly elevated 11-desoxycortisol production rate in one patient and THS excretion in the other. The plasma estradiol levels, urinary excretion and production rates were markedly elevated. In addition, there was a decrease in the specific activity of estriol compared with estrone and estradiol as well as measurable levels of estetrol in both patients. These latter observations coupled with the urinary immunoassayable hCG in one patient suggest that these tumors may be functioning like trophoblastic tissue. The possibility that estetrol may serve as an additional marker for tumors of trophoblastic origin is of additional interest.

Supported by USPHS Grants CA 07304, HL 14734, and RR-53.

Received April 26, 1976.

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