Testicular Hilar Nodules in Adrenogenital Syndrome

Abstract

A controversy over the nature of occasionally noted nodules in the testicular hilus in male infants with the adrenogenital syndrome has arisen from several reports. 1,2 The difference of opinion is whether they represent Leydig cells 1 or adrenal cells. 2 The use of cortical steroids since 1950 in the treatment of this syndrome has yielded much information on the metabolic disorders involved 3 but has not revealed the nature of the testicular hilar nodules. A case showing a differential tissue response to injury between the adrenals and the testicular hilar nodules is reported. A survey of the previously reported cases is presented. Report of Case A three-year-old white male child was admitted to the University of Florida Teaching Hospital for the first and only time on Sept 22, 1959, about six months prior to death. A large penis had been noted at birth. A similar finding had been noted in