1.Metastatic Extra-Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor Presenting with Hyperandrogenism and Transaminitis Post Oophorectomy
Preeya Subramaniam ; Vanusha Devaraja ; Goh Qing Ci ; Patricia Lee Siow Ping
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):64-65
Introduction:
Steroid cell tumors are rare sex cord-stromal tumors,
accounting for <0.1% of ovarian neoplasms. Extraovarian
steroid cell tumors are exceptionally rare, often androgensecreting, and pose significant diagnostic challenges. Early
recognition is essential to prevent prolonged morbidity
from hyperandrogenism.
Case:
A 60-year-old female, 15 years after total hysterectomy
and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a large ovarian
mass with massive ascites, presented with deranged liver
function tests on routine follow-up. Ultrasonography
and computed tomography imaging revealed multiple
hypervascular lesions in the liver, retroperitoneum,
and peritoneum, suggestive of metastatic disease, with
normal-appearing adrenal glands. Biopsy of a liver lesion
demonstrated a metastatic neoplasm with morphology and
immunoprofile favoring a steroid cell tumor. However,
metastasis from the adrenal cortex or an ovarian primary
could not be excluded.
Given the prior bilateral oophorectomy, metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma was initially suspected, prompting
endocrine evaluation. Further history revealed a 1-year
history of progressive virilization, including increased
facial hair and frontal balding. Hormonal studies
demonstrated elevated testosterone (12.2 mmol/L and
reference range 0.1–1.42) and dehydroepiandrosterone
sulfate (15.9 µmol/L and reference range 0.510–5.560)
and the adrenocorticotropic hormone level of 11.7
pmol/L (reference range 1.60–13.9) with suppressed
gonadotrophins. Additional workup for catecholamine,
cortisol, and aldosterone excess was unremarkable. The discordance between androgen excess and normal adrenal
imaging, despite absent ovarian tissue, suggested an extraadrenal androgen-secreting steroid cell tumor. A second
histopathology review and multidisciplinary discussion
with radiology, gynecologic oncology, and pathology teams
were undertaken. As the disease was deemed inoperable,
repeat retroperitoneal lesion biopsy confirmed metastatic
steroid cell tumor and guided palliative chemotherapy.
She was subsequently referred to gynecologic oncology
for systemic chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Extra-adrenal steroid cell tumors, though rare, should be
considered in patients with hyperandrogenism long after
bilateral oophorectomy, especially when adrenal imaging
is normal. Multidisciplinary evaluation and repeat biopsy
are often crucial for establishing the diagnosis and guiding
treatment.
Hyperandrogenism
;
Ovariectomy
;
Steroids
;
Neoplasms
2.Neither a Friend nor a Foe: An Unusual Case of Severe Symptomatic Hypercalcemia Secondary to Atypical Parathyroid Adenoma
Wye Hong Leong ; Qing Ci Goh ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Siow Ping Lee ; Maryam Ahmad Sharifuddin
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):79-80
Introduction:
Atypical parathyroid adenoma (APA) constitutes approximately 0.5–4.0% of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Here, we report a case of APA
presenting with severe hypercalcemia, complicated with
renal impairment, bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis,
and multiple fragility fractures.
Case:
A 45-year-old male initially presented with a 6-month
history of constipation, polyuria, lethargy, bone pain,
and difficulty in initiating micturition. Laboratory
investigations revealed impaired renal function with
an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 41.4 mL/min,
severe hypercalcemia (4.07 mmol/L), and an elevated
intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level of 104.0 pmol/L
(reference range: 1.58–6.03 pmol/L), confirming the
diagnosis of pHPT. He was also found to have vitamin D deficiency, with a serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D level
of 46 nmol/L.
Ultrasound of the abdomen demonstrated bilateral
medullary nephrocalcinosis, while neck ultrasound and
Tc-99 m sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy revealed a
concordant lesion in the posterior aspect of the left thyroid
lobe, suggestive of a parathyroid adenoma.
He returned 3 months later with closed fractures of the right
subtrochanteric femur and the right humerus following
a fall from standing height.
In view of persistent hypercalcemia despite hyperhydration and treatment with zoledronic acid, subcutaneous
denosumab (60 mg) was administered, resulting in an
improvement in serum calcium levels. A left inferior
parathyroidectomy was then performed concurrently
with internal fixation of the right femur. The surgery was
uneventful. Histopathological examination confirmed an
atypical parathyroid adenoma. Postoperatively, the serum
calcium and iPTH levels normalized, and the patient
remained asymptomatic and normocalcemic during
regular follow-up.
Conclusion
APA remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due
to its clinical, biochemical, and histopathological features
of equivocal malignancy. Surgical resection remains
the mainstay of management of APA, and long-term
surveillance is essential in view of its uncertain malignant
potential and risk of recurrence.
Hypercalcemia
;
Parathyroid Neoplasms
3.Big and Blurry: Giant Prolactinoma Case Series
Nur Farrah Anima ; Qing Ci Goh ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Siow Ping Lee
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):91-
Introduction:
Giant prolactinomas represent 2–3% of prolactin-secreting
pituitary adenomas and show a male predominance. They
present with mass effect symptoms and hypogonadism, but
may be overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis. Although
dopamine agonists are first-line therapy, management
remains challenging due to the large size and invasive
behavior. This study aims to describe the clinical and
radiological features, treatment modalities, and outcomes
of three cases of giant prolactinomas. We retrospectively
reviewed three men with giant prolactinomas, including
their clinical, biochemical, and radiological features, along
with treatment and outcomes.
Cases:
Three male patients aged 35–59 years with giant
prolactinomas were included. Two patients presented
with visual disturbances, headache, and features of hypogonadism, while one patient had acute confusion and visual
loss secondary to obstructive hydrocephalus requiring
ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. Imaging in all cases
demonstrated large invasive pituitary macroadenomas with
extensive local extension. Baseline serum prolactin levels
were markedly elevated, ranging from 86,568 to 441,116
uIU/mL (86–324 uIU/mL). All patients had secondary
hypogonadism, while secondary hypothyroidism and
hypocortisolism were each identified in two patients.
One patient also had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
at presentation. Dopamine agonist therapy was initiated
as the primary therapy for all the patients. Two patients
developed cerebrospinal fluid leak following initiation of
low-dose dopamine agonist therapy (one patient received cabergoline 0.25 mg weekly, while another received 0.5 mg
weekly), which resolved spontaneously with conservative
management. Serum prolactin levels decreased markedly,
with significant improvement in symptoms related to
mass effect following treatment.
Conclusion
Giant prolactinomas may present with significant mass
effect and multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies.
Dopamine agonists remain the cornerstone of management
and can result in substantial biochemical and clinical
improvement even in large invasive tumors. However,
rapid tumor shrinkage may lead to complications such
as cerebrospinal fluid leak, highlighting the importance
of close monitoring during treatment initiation.
Prolactinoma
4.AVP Deficiency as the Initial Manifestation of Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Diagnostic Odyssey
Yuvaranee Samanaseh ; Vanusha Devaraja ; Goh Qing Ci ; Patricia Lee Siow Ping
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):92-
Introduction:
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency is an uncommon
but important presentation of infiltrative hypothalamic–
pituitary disorders. In adults, isolated AVP deficiency with
pituitary stalk thickening is diagnostically challenging,
especially in the absence of systemic disease. Langerhans
cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare cause and may precede
systemic involvement by several years.
Case:
We report a 42-year-old male who presented in 2017 with
polyuria and polydipsia, with urine output of up to 10 L/
day. AVP deficiency was confirmed by the water deprivation
test, and desmopressin was initiated. Initial pituitary
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal, baseline
anterior pituitary hormonal evaluation was unremarkable, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of
the thorax and abdomen showed no abnormalities.
Repeat pituitary MRI 1 year later demonstrated loss of
the posterior pituitary bright spot with pituitary stalk
thickening. In the absence of systemic involvement, a
presumptive diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis was
made, and pituitary biopsy was deferred due to the high
procedural risk.
Serial pituitary MRIs over the following years showed
persistent infundibular thickening and continued absence
of the posterior pituitary bright spot, without interval
progression or development of additional hormonal
deficiencies. The patient remained clinically stable until
June 2024, when new-onset left hip pain prompted MRI,
revealing a heterogeneous mass involving the femoral
neck and intertrochanteric region with a pathological
fracture. Histopathological examination following wide
resection confirmed LCH, with negative BRAF V600
mutation. Postoperative PET scan revealed a multisystem
disease involving the skeleton, lymph nodes, spine, and
gastrointestinal tract, with no bone marrow involvement.
He subsequently completed six cycles of intravenous
methotrexate and cytarabine.
Conclusion
Adult-onset AVP deficiency may be the earliest
manifestation of occult multisystem Langerhans cell
histiocytosis. This case highlights the importance of longterm follow-up and reconsideration of the initial diagnosis
when new systemic features emerge.
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell
5.Small Lesion, Big Impact: EUS Localization and Ablation of a CT-Occult Insulinoma
Tharshini Indrajothy ; Vanusha Devaraja ; Goh Qing Ci ; Tay Yang Zet ; Patricia Lee Siow Ping
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):96-
Introduction:
Insulinoma is a rare functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine
tumor and the most common cause of endogenous
hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Although biochemical
confirmation is usually straightforward, tumor localization may be difficult when lesions are small and not detected
on conventional cross-sectional imaging. In such cases,
endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays an important role
in identifying occult lesions and facilitating definitive
treatment.
Case:
A 52-year-old female was admitted in April 2025 with
recurrent seizures secondary to hypoglycemia for 3
years, with increasing frequency over time. She fulfilled
Whipple’s triad, with documented capillary glucose of
1.8 mmol/L during an episode and symptom resolution
following glucose administration. A supervised prolonged
fasting test confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinemic
hypoglycemia, with plasma glucose 1.4 mmol/L, insulin 122
pmol/L, and C-peptide 1,010 pmol/L. Short Synacthen test
demonstrated adequate adrenal reserve. Due to persistent
hypoglycemia, she required high-dose diazoxide.
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen did
not reveal a pancreatic lesion but incidentally detected a
right ovarian teratoma. She underwent total abdominal
hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in
June 2025, with histopathology confirming a mature cystic
teratoma without malignancy. However, hypoglycemic
episodes persisted. Further evaluation with EUS in July
2025 identified a highly vascular isoechoic 8 × 8 mm lesion
in the pancreatic body. Fine-needle biopsy confirmed a
well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (WHO grade 1)
with Ki-67 index of 2%. She subsequently underwent EUSguided radiofrequency ablation in August 2025. Follow-up
EUS in December 2025 showed post-ablation change, and
her hypoglycemic episodes resolved completely, allowing
diazoxide to be discontinued.
Conclusion
This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of occult
insulinoma in the presence of negative conventional
imaging. EUS was pivotal for tumor localization and tissue
diagnosis, while EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation
provided effective minimally invasive treatment in a
carefully selected patient.
Insulinoma
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed


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