Klinefelter's syndrome and liver adenoma

J Clin Gastroenterol. 1991 Apr;13(2):214-6. doi: 10.1097/00004836-199104000-00020.

Abstract

We describe the occurrence of a liver adenoma in a young patient with Klinefelter's syndrome, diagnosed by classic 47,XXY karyotype in all investigated cells and a sex hormone imbalance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such an association, which might suggest a simple coincidence. However, a pathogenetic link between Klinefelter's syndrome and liver adenoma can be suggested in view of the following facts: Liver adenoma mostly affects women of child-bearing age using oral contraceptives. It is very rare in men, and affected men frequently have been treated with androgens. Both groups are characterized by a sex hormone imbalance. Also, the risk of breast cancer, another hormone-sensitive tumor, is greatly elevated in men with Klinefelter's syndrome, possibly due to sex hormone imbalance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Humans
  • Klinefelter Syndrome / complications*
  • Klinefelter Syndrome / pathology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male