Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (arrhenoblastoma) of the ovary is associated with virilization. Which immunohistochemical marker, in addition to inhibin, is characteristically positive in this sex cord-stromal tumor?
- A EMA (epithelial membrane antigen)
- B WT1 (Wilms tumor protein 1)
- C Calretinin ✓
- D PLAP (placental alkaline phosphatase)
Correct answer: C. Calretinin
Explanation
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, like other sex cord-stromal tumors (granulosa cell tumors, thecomas, fibromas), express inhibin and calretinin — both derived from the calretinin-positive sex cord stromal cells. The inhibin/calretinin combination is the key immunohistochemical panel to distinguish sex cord-stromal tumors from surface epithelial tumors (which are EMA+, CK7+) and germ cell tumors (PLAP+, OCT4+, SALL4+). WT1 is expressed in ovarian surface epithelial carcinomas (serous) and is not a marker of sex cord-stromal tumors.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.