Vaginal adenosis and polycystic ovaries during infancy and childhood.

A histologic study of 40 postmoretem specimens of vagina, uterus, and ovaries obtained from fetuses, infants, and children revealed vaginal or ectocervical adenosis in eight cases (20.0%) and polycystic ovaries in 13 cases (32.5%). All cases of adenosis were associated with polycystic ovaries and moderate to marked theca luteinization. Five patients who had adenosis died of diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as cerebral injury and hydrocephalus. A total of seven of 13 cases or 53.8% with polycystic ovaries had CNS diseases. The possible roles of neurogenic and hormonal factors in the pathogenesis of these conditions are discussed.