Presence of Turner stigmata in a case of dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism with 45,X/46,X+mar karyotype

Description of children with 45,X/46,XY karyotype

We hypothesized that because 45,X/46,XY (X/XY) children share a cell line with Turner syndrome (TS), they also share co-morbidities described in TS. In addition, the presence of the Y chromosome in brain and in other body tissues would influence their function. On the basis of our findings, we aimed to establish optimal procedures for clinical evaluation, management, and follow-up of these children. Sixteen X/XY children were evaluated and managed at a single institution as part of standard clinical care as established at the time between 1969 and 2009. In January of 2005, we started retrospective record review of all X/XY children in combination with cohort follow-up (of those who had not reached adult height) until August of 2009. The study included review of clinical presentation, clinical characteristics, diagnostic measures, radiologic studies, karyotype studies, psycho-endocrinology evaluation, and growth-promoting treatments. There was no specific intervention. Phenotype reflected cell line distribution. The presence of 45,X cell line explains how X/XY children have abnormalities similar to girls with TS, while presence of Y chromosome explains why they have tomboyish behavior. In conclusion, these children require clinical evaluation similar to that performed in female children with TS, including cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, growth and development, autoimmune, psychological, and educational evaluation. Specific management needs to be tailored to the presence of Y chromosomal material.

Molecular evaluation of the SRY gene for gonads of patients with mixed gonadal dysgenesis

AIM

To determine whether the SRY gene is present in the gonads of patients with mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD).

METHODS

Molecular analysis was performed in three patients with MGD. Polymerase chain reactions were used to test for the presence of the SRY gene in the peripheral lymphocytes, testes and streak gonads.

RESULTS

Chromosome analysis revealed 45,XO/46,XY in two patients, and 46,XY in the third patient. In the peripheral lymphocytes and testicular tissue, the SRY sequences were positive in all cases. However, the SRY sequence was detected in the streak gonad in only two of the three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

It is interesting that we identified both SRY-positive and SRY-negative streak gonads. Although the SRY gene has a very important role in testicular differentiation, genes other than the SRY gene might also influence the development of the indifferent gonad in MGD.

Fetal gender: antenatal discrepancy between phenotype and genotype

Sexual discrepancy is reported in both 46,XY females and 46,XX males, and most diagnoses of sex reversal are made in the postpubertal period. We report three cases of sexual discrepancy, which were revealed by karyotyping following genetic amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling and fetal blood sampling. The etiologies of 46,XX male, 45,X male and 46,XY female subjects are reviewed. When sexual discrepancy between fetal karyotype and ultrasonographic fetal phenotype is encountered, sample error and placental mosaicism should be excluded. A detailed fetal ultrasound examination should be performed to check for syndromic gender discrepancy. When repeat karyotyping is indicated, localization of the Sox related Y chromosome gene should be carried out.

A case of ambiguous genitalia presenting with a 45,X/46,Xr(Y)(p11.2;q11.23)/47,X,idic(Y)(p11.2),idic(Y)(p11.2) karyotype

An infant with ambiguous genitalia was found to have a karyotype 45,X/46,X,r(Y)(p11.2;q11.23)/47,X,idic(Y)(p11.2),idic(Y)(p11.2) using G-banding, C-banding and FISH. Examination of the genitalia revealed a phallus measuring 1.5 cm in length and 0.5 cm wide with perineal orifice. Subtle phenotypic features consistent with Turner syndrome were not present. Genital ultrasonography revealed the presence of an infantile uterus. Endoscopy of the vagina, uterus and cervix appeared normal.