True hermaphroditism

Embryology and adult urology - Not always mutually exclusive: A case report on true hermaphroditism at an adult urology clinic

True hermaphrodite (TH) is one of the rarest varieties of disorders of sexual differentiation. Most patients present early in the life and are managed by pediatricians. We present a rare case of an adult TH which was first diagnosed by a urologist. We discuss the pathology of TH and its clinical relevance. Knowledge and awareness of embryology are vital to all specialties.

True hermaphroditism and normal male genitalia: an unusual presentation

True hermaphroditism, the rarest form of intersex, is usually diagnosed during the newborn period in the course of evaluating ambiguous genitalia. As an exception, we present an unusual case of a 15-year-old boy with phenotypically normal male genitalia and bilaterally descended ovotestes, who was seen for evaluation of intermittent scrotal swelling and pain. Although rare, true hermaphroditism should be included in the differential diagnosis of apparently normal males presenting with similar complaints.

True hermaphroditism presenting as intermittent hematuria and groin pain

True hermaphroditism was diagnosed when a male was evaluated for inguinal swelling and hematuria. A true hermaphrodite rarely has bilaterally descended gonads. This patient had intrascrotal ovotestes. Diagnosis and management of the true hermaphrodite are reviewed.

True hermaphroditism: a rational appraoch to diagnosis and treatment

Eight previously unreported cases of true hermaphroditism are presented, and their basic characteristics are described and discussed with regard to diagnosis and management. Two basic groups are identified: those diagnosed prior to establishment of gender role and those diagnosed at a later date. The latter group should benefit from therapy designed to enhance and maintain their sex of rearing, while the former group should be reconstructed according to functional considerations first and fertility considerations second. Diagnostic criteria are evaluated, and the value of the exploratory laparotomy is stressed.

Asymmetrical gonadal enlargement in adolescent true hermaphrodite with bilateral ovotestes

A case of gynecomastia and asymmetrical gonadal enlargement in a thirteen and one-half-year-old "male" true hermaphrodite with biopsy-proved bilateral ovotestes is presented. The pathology, genetics, endocrinology, and management of this entity are discussed and compared with instances of hermaphroditism in which there is distinct separation of the ovarian and testicular tissues.