To assess the potential role of scintigraphy in the evaluation of clinically and biochemically suspect ovarian hyperandrogenism (HA), dexamethasone suppression 131I-6 beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol (NP-59) scans were performed to characterize ovarian function in nine patients. Pelvic ultrasound and/or computed tomography (CT) identified anatomic abnormalities in the adnexal region in six women in whom there was discernible pelvic accumulation(s) of NP-59. In the remaining three patients testosterone levels were normal or only slightly elevated and the NP-59 scan did not demonstrate abnormal adrenal or pelvic uptake. CT and/or ultrasound studies failed to demonstrate an abnormality in the pelvis suggesting excessive peripheral conversion or abnormal end organ sensitivity of androgen precursors as potential etiologies of their HA. In three women with androgen secreting lipoid tumors of the ovary, unilateral, pelvic NP-59 activity was noted; these tumors were subsequently resected. Two women with bilateral pelvic NP-59 uptake were later shown to have hyperthecosis with markedly asymmetric and enlarged ovaries. In one woman the extent of asymmetric NP-59 uptake was anticipated by the asymmetry of ovarian vein androgen levels at selective venous catheterization. In another woman with markedly asymmetric polycystic ovary disease, intense focal uptake of NP-59 localized to the side of the anatomically abnormal, enlarged ovary. Thus, our preliminary study reviews our experience to date and suggests that NP-59 scintigraphy may be used to localize both tumorous and nontumorous ovarian dysfunction in states of HA and virilization.