A 16-year old female presents with primary amenorrhea and raised FSH level. On examination, her height was 58 inches. What would be the histopathological finding in the ovary?
The most common cause in this scenario is Turner syndrome. Turner syndrome is a chromosomal disorder where the patient has a 45,X karyotype. It leads to ovarian dysgenesis, meaning the ovaries don't develop properly. So histopathologically, the ovaries would have fibrous tissue with no follicles. That would explain the high FSH and lack of menstruation.
Now, looking at the options, the correct answer is the one that mentions fibrous stroma without follicles. The other options might suggest other conditions. For example, if there were follicles, maybe it's a different cause like hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, but that would have low FSH. Polycystic ovary might have multiple follicles, but FSH would be normal. Ovarian tumor is unlikely here given the presentation.
The clinical pearl here is to remember that Turner syndrome is a key cause of primary amenorrhea with high FSH and short stature. The histopathology in Turner is typically fibrous stroma without follicles. The other options don't fit the clinical picture as well. So the correct answer should be the option that describes the fibrous stroma without follicles.
**Core Concept** Primary amenorrhea with elevated FSH indicates **gonadal failure**, most commonly due to **Turner syndrome** in short-statured females. Turner syndrome (45,X) leads to **ovarian dysgenesis**, resulting in fibrotic ovarian tissue devoid of follicles.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right** In Turner syndrome, the absence of functional germ cells leads to **fibrous ovarian stroma** with no follicles. Elevated FSH reflects the pituitary’s attempt to stimulate nonfunctional ovaries. The patient’s short stature (58 inches) further supports this diagnosis, as Turner syndrome is associated with growth retardation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Polycystic ovary* would show multiple small follicles, not fibrosis.
**Option B:** *Normal ovarian histology* is inconsistent with elevated FSH and amenorrhea.
**Option C:** *Ovarian tumor* would present with a mass, not fibrotic tissue.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact** Remember **“Turner’s triad”:** primary amenorrhea, short stature, and elevated FSH. Histopathology in Turner syndrome reveals **fibrous ovarian stroma without follicles**—a hallmark for this condition.
**Correct Answer: C. Fibrous ovarian stroma without follicles**