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farriery
veterinary
biomechanics
anatomy
nutrition
physiotherapy
2013
Cohort Study

Determination of serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations for the diagnosis of granulosa-cell tumours in mares.

Authors: Ball B A, Almeida J, Conley A J

Journal: Equine veterinary journal

DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00594.xPubMed: 22779762Log in to save

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Anti-Müllerian Hormone for Diagnosing Granulosa-Cell Tumours in Mares Granulosa-cell tumours (GCTs) represent a significant clinical challenge in mares, requiring reliable endocrine biomarkers for accurate diagnosis; this study evaluated serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration as a diagnostic tool, comparing it against the traditional GCT panel of inhibin, testosterone and progesterone. The researchers analysed 403 archived serum samples using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with histopathological confirmation available for 44 cases. AMH demonstrated substantially superior diagnostic sensitivity (98%) compared to inhibin alone (80%), testosterone (48%), or the combination of inhibin and testosterone (84%) for detecting histologically confirmed GCTs. A crucial practical advantage is that serum AMH concentrations remain stable throughout the oestrous cycle and pregnancy, eliminating the interpretive confusion that can arise from hormonal fluctuations during these physiological states. For equine practitioners, AMH measurement offers a significantly more reliable single-marker screening tool for suspected GCTs and may streamline diagnostic protocols when ovarian pathology is suspected.

Read the full abstract on PubMed

Practical Takeaways

  • •AMH testing is now the most reliable single biomarker for diagnosing ovarian granulosa-cell tumours in mares, with superior sensitivity to traditional hormone panels
  • •Unlike inhibin and testosterone tests, AMH results can be interpreted reliably regardless of the mare's oestrous cycle stage or pregnancy status, simplifying clinical decision-making
  • •Consider switching to AMH-based diagnostic protocols for suspected GCTs to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce false negatives compared to conventional endocrine testing

Key Findings

  • •Serum AMH concentration demonstrated 98% sensitivity for detection of histologically confirmed GCTs in mares
  • •AMH sensitivity (98%) was significantly superior to inhibin (80%), testosterone (48%), or combined inhibin and testosterone (84%)
  • •Serum AMH concentrations do not vary significantly during the oestrous cycle or pregnancy, eliminating confounding from physiological states

Conditions Studied

granulosa-cell tumours (gcts)

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Equine granulosa cell tumours among other ovarian conditions: Diagnostic challenges.

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Molecular changes in the equine follicle in relation to variations in antral follicle count and anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations.

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