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López Soto Á, Velasco Martínez M, Ferrández Martínez M, Díaz García A, García Izquierdo O, Marín Sánchez P. Prenatal ambiguous/atypical genitalia: why are we still missing it and how can we improve diagnosis? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:581-585. [PMID: 37773980 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Á López Soto
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, HGU Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
| | - M Velasco Martínez
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, HGU Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
| | - M Ferrández Martínez
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, HGU Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
| | - A Díaz García
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, HGU Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
| | - O García Izquierdo
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, HGU Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
| | - P Marín Sánchez
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, HGU Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
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Annac G. Prenatal Sonographic Clues to Diagnose External Genital Anomalies: Is It a Girl or a Boy? Cureus 2023; 15:e46878. [PMID: 37954828 PMCID: PMC10638479 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purpose of this study was to present the prenatal sonographic findings of external genital anomalies and determine diagnostic clues. Methodology In a single-center retrospective study, a total of 15,320 pregnant women underwent a routine ultrasound (US) screening between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation from March 2015 to January 2022. The fetuses with indeterminate sex and suspected genital anomalies were enrolled in the study. B-mod and three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the external genital organs were performed according to a local protocol in cases of genital anomalies. Prenatal and postnatal data were retrieved from the electronic health records. Results A total of 88 fetuses were included in the study. The prevalence of external genital anomalies was found to be 0.6%, and the degree of correspondence (DC) between prenatal and postnatal diagnoses of external genital anomalies was 94.3%. The most common genital anomaly was hypospadias with a frequency of 59%. Severe hypospadias was detected in five of six cases with chordee where the penoscrotal angle was below 30°. Approximately 70% of clitoromegaly cases with labial hypertrophy had a horseshoe sign on 3D images. Conclusions The DC between prenatal and postnatal diagnoses of external genital anomalies is high in this study. The novel diagnostic clues, such as horseshoe sign and penoscrotal angle may be useful in diagnosing and determining the severity of the external genital anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokce Annac
- Department of Radiology, Medical Park Gebze Hospital, Kocaeli, TUR
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Uygur L, Sivrikoz TS, Kalelioglu IH, Has R, Isguder CK, Oktar T, Basaran S, Yuksel A. Predictive value of ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias: hints for accurate diagnosis. J Perinat Med 2023; 51:932-939. [PMID: 37144940 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of targeted ultrasound examination in prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias and to evaluate the predictive values of defined ultrasonographic findings of hypospadias. METHODS The cases diagnosed with hypospadias in our fetal medicine center were identified on an electronic database. The ultrasound reports, images and hospital records were reviewed retrospectively. The predictive value of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis and the predictive values of each sonographic finding were assessed according to the postnatal clinical examinations. RESULTS Thirty-nine cases were diagnosed with hypospadias on ultrasound during the 6 years. Nine fetuses with missing postnatal examination records were excluded. Twentytwo of the remaining fetuses had their prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias confirmed in postnatal examinations, indicating a 73.3 % positive predictive value. Normal external genitalia was detected in postnatal examinations of three fetuses. Five fetuses were diagnosed with other external genital abnormalities, including micropenis (n=2), clitoromegaly (n=2), and buried penis with bifid scrotum (n=1) in postnatal examinations. The positive predictive value of prenatal ultrasound for any external genital abnormality was 90 %. CONCLUSIONS Although the positive predictive value of ultrasound for genital anomalies is satisfying, it is slightly lower for the specific diagnosis of hypospadias. This reflects overlapping ultrasound findings of different external genitalia anomalies. Standardized, systematic evaluation of the internal and external genital organs, karyotyping and genetic sex determination are essential to achieve a precise prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfiye Uygur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Health Research Hospital, Division of Maternal & Fetal Medicine Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Tugba Sarac Sivrikoz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ibrahim Halil Kalelioglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Recep Has
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cigdem Kunt Isguder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Tayfun Oktar
- Department of Urology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Seher Basaran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Atil Yuksel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Huang X, Tang J, Chen M, Xiao Y, Zhu F, Chen L, Tian X, Hong L. Sex difference and risk factors in burden of urogenital congenital anomalies from 1990 to 2019. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13656. [PMID: 37608070 PMCID: PMC10444850 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40939-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Urogenital congenital anomalies (UCAs) is defined as "any live-birth with a urinary or genital condition" and affects millions of men and women worldwide. However, sex differences and related environmental risk factors in UCAs burden on a global scale have not been assessed. Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we estimated prevalence, incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of UCAs from 1990 to 2019 by sex, region, and socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories. The disease burden of UCAs was also estimated attributable to each risk factor were estimated according to risk exposure. In 2019, UCAs caused 10,200 all-ages deaths (95% UI 7550-13,400). The combined global incidence rate was 8.38 per 1000 (95% UI 5.88-12.0) live births. The ASIR increased slightly, while the ASDR decreased from 1990 to 2019.The UCAs burden varies greatly depending on the development level and geographical location. The UCAs burden was significantly higher in men than in women, and the sex differences showed an enlarging trend. Health risks and issues, including pollution, child and maternal malnutrition, diet habits, unsafe sanitation and water source, were detected to be positively related to UCAs burden. Albeit the age-standardised prevalence, mortality, incidence, and DALYs of UCAs have decreased, they still cause a public health challenge worldwide. The high deaths and DALYs rates in low and low-middle SDI countries highlight the urgent need for improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures. Global strategies for enhancing water safety, reducing pollution, and healthy diets are crucial steps in reducing the burden of UCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mao Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya Xiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangyi Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liying Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Hong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Pelvic Floor Research Centre of Hubei Province, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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5
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López Soto Á, Bueno González M, Urbano Reyes M, Carlos Moya Jiménez L, Beltrán Sánchez A, Garví Morcillo J, Velasco Martínez M, Luis Meseguer González J, Martínez Rivero I, García Izquierdo O. Imaging in fetal genital anomalies. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 283:13-24. [PMID: 36750003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Genital anomalies are a heterogeneous group of congenital pathologies that have become increasingly relevant since the Chicago Consensus of 2005. Their postnatal diagnosis has developed significantly in the last two decades, while prenatal diagnosis seems to be underdeveloped, with few protocols available, fragmented scientific literature, and low diagnostic rates. This review aims to examine the current status of this subspecialty from the perspective of prenatal imaging. Indications for the evaluation of fetal genitalia can be divided into medical and non-medical reasons. Medical reasons include sex-linked disorders, detection of other anomalies, relevant family history, or multiple pregnancy. Non-medical reasons include parental request for sex disclosure. Disclosure of fetal sex may be associated with ethical, legal, and medical issues. The main imaging technology used is 2D ultrasound, although there are other complementary techniques such as 3D, MRI, or Color Doppler. Regarding working methodology, several authors have drawn attention to the lack of standardized protocols and guidelines. Most guidelines tend to limit their recommendations to study indications and ethical issues. Technical proposals, measurements, or working methods have not yet been standardized. Fetal sex determination is usually divided into early and late gestation. Early gestation is based on the sagittal sign. Late gestation is based on direct visualization. There are several measurements to describe male and female genitalia, such as penile length, bilabial diameter, or scrotal diameter. Prenatal diagnosis of genital pathologies presents some particularities such as the wide spectrum of phenotypes, the high frequency of associated deformities, or the time of diagnosis. Some of the most frequent pathologies are ambiguous genitalia, fetal sex discordance, hypospadias, micropenis, clitoromegaly, ovarian cysts, hydro(metro)colpos, and cloacal anomalies. Higher-quality studies and direction from scientific societies through the implementation of clinical guidelines are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro López Soto
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, HGU Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain.
| | | | - Maribel Urbano Reyes
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics, HGU Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain
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Pinson K, Melber DJ, Nguyen NH, Montaney L, Basu R, Mims J, Pretorius D, Lamale-Smith L. The Development of Normal Fetal External Genitalia Throughout Gestation. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:293-307. [PMID: 35975397 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we describe normal development of fetal genitalia throughout gestation as well as the identification of normal male and female genitalia on ultrasound. We use abnormal and ambiguous genitalia as illustrative tools to assist with the identification of normal genitalia and recognition of some of the most common abnormalities in external genitalia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Pinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Maternal Fetal Care and Genetics, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Dora J Melber
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Maternal Fetal Care and Genetics, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ngoc-Hieu Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Maternal Fetal Care and Genetics, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Laura Montaney
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Maternal Fetal Care and Genetics, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Reshmi Basu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Maternal Fetal Care and Genetics, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joseph Mims
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Dolores Pretorius
- Maternal Fetal Care and Genetics, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Leah Lamale-Smith
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Maternal Fetal Care and Genetics, La Jolla, California, USA
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7
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Biard JM, Payrat S, Clapuyt P, Barrea C, Benoit V, Baldin P, Bernard P, Van Grambezen B, Sznajer Y. Antenatal diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome: Prenatal ultrasound findings and crucial role of fetal dysmorphic signs. About a series of 10 cases and review of literature. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104189. [PMID: 33662639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although the prognosis of CHARGE syndrome can be highly variable from mild until severe, final diagnosis is difficult to establish in utero. The aim of our study is to compare antenatal and postnatal findings in a retrospective cohort of 10 successive patients with a positive CHD7 gene variant in order to identify the specific prenatal features for CHARGE syndrome diagnosis. Fetal ultrasound, follow-up and supplementary investigations are collected and compared to postnatal findings. Congenital heart defect (7/10), choanal atresia (7/10) and tracheoesophageal atresia (4/10) are the most frequent fetal anomalies found. Inner and external ear anomalies appear as the keystone (constant features) for prenatal diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome in fetuses with multiple anomalies and normal microarray karyotype. External ear malformations are identified in all cases by 3D ultrasound when carefully evaluated. MRI and temporal bone CT-Scan are second line useful tools to assess the diagnosis when looking for semicircular canal agenesis, arhinencephaly and/or choanal atresia. Before availability of prenatal exome sequencing in clinical routine, present findings lead to the recommendation that fetuses, with congenital heart defect (mainly septal and conotruncal), cleft lip/palate or unexplained polyhydramnios should carefully be screened for clues suggesting CHARGE syndrome using 2D and 3D ultrasound, MRI and temporal bone CT-Scan. When CHARGE syndrome is suspected with normal molecular karyotype, CHD7 gene sequencing must be offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Biard
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Payrat
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Clapuyt
- Pediatric Radiology Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catherine Barrea
- Cardiopediatric Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Pamela Baldin
- Department of Anatomopathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Bernard
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte Van Grambezen
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yves Sznajer
- Center for Human Genetics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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8
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Costagliola G, Cosci O di Coscio M, Masini B, Baldinotti F, Caligo MA, Tyutyusheva N, Sessa MR, Peroni D, Bertelloni S. Disorders of sexual development with XY karyotype and female phenotype: clinical findings and genetic background in a cohort from a single centre. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:145-151. [PMID: 32378143 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01284-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE 46, XY disorders (or differences) of sex development (DSD) are a group of clinical conditions with variable genetic background; correct diagnosis is often difficult, but it permits to optimize the management. The aim of this study is to identify clinical and genetics features of a group of women with 46, XY DSD to define some issues characterizing people with 46, XY DSD in Italy. METHODS Retrospective analysis of girls and women with 46, XY DSD and female phenotype evaluated between year 2000 and 2016, performed by anonymised database, focusing on the clinical features and management, including presentation, first diagnostic suspect, gonadal surgery and molecular diagnostic delay. RESULTS A total of 84 records were collected (mean age at clinical presentation: 9.1 ± 7.9 years; mean age at definitive diagnosis: 20.1 ± 15.0 years). Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome was the most common diagnosis (60%). Only 12 patients (14.3%) did not receive a molecular diagnosis. Early misdiagnoses frequently occurred; diagnostic delay was 10.2 ± 11.2 years, being reduced in patients presenting from 2007 to 2016. The discordance between genotypic and phenotypic sex during pregnancy or at birth determined early reason for referral in a considerable percentage (4.9%). CONCLUSION Misdiagnosis and long diagnostic delays are present in females with 46, XY DSD in Italy, but the new genetic techniques permit faster right diagnoses in the last years. The centralization in dedicated third level units permits to reduce the number of patients without a molecular diagnosis, allowing better clinical management and appropriate genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Costagliola
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Cosci O di Coscio
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Masini
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Baldinotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M A Caligo
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - N Tyutyusheva
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M R Sessa
- Laboratory of Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Peroni
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Bertelloni
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Bertelloni S, Tyutyusheva N, Valiani M, D'Alberton F, Baldinotti F, Caligo MA, Baroncelli GI, Peroni DG. Disorders/Differences of Sex Development Presenting in the Newborn With 46,XY Karyotype. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:627281. [PMID: 33968844 PMCID: PMC8100517 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.627281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) are a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions, resulting in discordance between an individual's sex chromosomes, gonads, and/or anatomic sex. The management of a newborn with suspected 46,XY DSD remains challenging. Newborns with 46,XY DSD may present with several phenotypes ranging from babies with atypical genitalia or girls with inguinal herniae to boys with micropenis and cryptorchidism. A mismatch between prenatal karyotype and female phenotype is an increasing reason for presentation. Gender assignment should be avoided prior to expert evaluation and possibly until molecular diagnosis. The classic diagnostic approach is time and cost-consuming. Today, a different approach may be considered. The first line of investigations must exclude rare life-threatening diseases related to salt wasting crises. Then, the new genetic tests should be performed, yielding increased diagnostic performance. Focused imaging or endocrine studies should be performed on the basis of genetic results in order to reduce repeated and invasive investigations for a small baby. The challenge for health professionals will lie in integrating specific genetic information with better defined clinical and endocrine phenotypes and in terms of long-term evolution. Such advances will permit optimization of counseling of parents and sex assignment. In this regard, society has significantly changed its attitude to the acceptance and expansion beyond strict binary male and female sexes, at least in some countries or cultures. These management advances should result in better personalized care and better long-term quality of life of babies born with 46,XY DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvano Bertelloni
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nina Tyutyusheva
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Valiani
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Fulvia Baldinotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Adelaide Caligo
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giampiero I Baroncelli
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego G Peroni
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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10
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Vieiralves RR, Ribeiro GS, Alves EF, Sampaio FJ, Favorito LA. Are anogenital distance and external female genitalia development changed in neural tube defects? Study in human fetuses. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:654.e1-654.e8. [PMID: 32747310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anogenital distance (AGD), the distance from the anus to the genitals, is a marker of normal genital development. AGD and other biometric parameters of external female genitalia are important as ultrasonographic markers that can determine fetal gender in the first trimester. Neural tube defects are one of the commonest congenital malformations of the central nervous system, with anencephaly being the most severe defect. Female genitalia development and their association with anencephaly have not been previously described. AIM The aim of this study was to compare the biometric parameters of external female genitalia in fetuses with anencephaly and compare it to the parameters of normocephalic fetuses at different gestational ages. STUDY DESIGN We studied 34 female fetuses, 22 normocephalic and 12 anencephalic, aged between 12 and 22 weeks post-conception. The fetuses were placed in the classic lithotomy position and before the fetal dissection, the external female genitalia were photographed with a digital camera. Biometric parameters were recorded and measurements were performed using the Image J software, version 1.46r. Clitoral length and width, clitoris to anus distance, vaginal opening length and width, vaginal opening to labia majora distance, and AGD were measured (Figure). For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used (p < 0.05). RESULTS We observed a significant difference between some measurements of the groups: the vaginal opening width was significantly greater in anencephalic fetuses and the vaginal opening length, clitoris to anus distance and vaginal opening to labia majora distance were significantly greater in normocephalic fetuses. For the clitoris length and width, we did not find statistical differences. We also did not find statistical significance in AGD between groups (normocephalic 2.32 mm [2.46-6.42/SD = 2.17] vs. anencephalic 3.93 mm [1.15-6.65/SD = 1.93]; p = 0.499). The linear regression analysis indicated that AGD increased more with age in anencephalic than in the normocephalic group, but without significant differences (r2 = 0.01677; p < 0.318). DISCUSSION This article is the first to report the female external genitalia parameters in fetuses with anencephaly. In our study we observed some alterations in biometry of the external genitalia in anencephalic fetuses, with a pattern of morphological reduction in this group. The vaginal opening length, clitoris to anus distance and vaginal opening to labia majora distance were significantly lower in anencephalic fetuses but we did not find statistical significance in clitoris measurements and AGD. CONCLUSIONS Anencephalic fetuses had some alterations in external genitalia development, but the anogenital distances did vary significantly between the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gisele S Ribeiro
- Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edilaine F Alves
- Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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11
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Soto ÁL. [Genital abnormalities: Contextualization of a neglected area in prenatal diagnosis]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 71:275-285. [PMID: 33247891 DOI: 10.18597/rcog.3446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To reflect on how the area of genital abnormalities has fallen behind in prenatal diagnosis. METHODS Based on the thesis that prenatal diagnosis of genital abnormalities has scarcely developed, a comparison with other areas of prenatal diagnosis and with its postnatal counterpart is presented; different explanations for this situation are examined; and a reflection is presented on ways to expand this field of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Compared to other disciplines, prenatal diagnosis of genital abnormalities finds itself lagging behind in terms of diagnostic tools, management protocols and scientific literature. Potential causes include a perception of low prevalence and limited importance, or exploration challenges. Integration of current knowledge, together with the acquisition of the appropriate tools and translation to clinical medicine, would be a way to make this discipline stronger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro López Soto
- Unidad de Diagnóstico Prenatal,Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, España
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Kalfa N, Amouroux C, Fuchs F, Paris F. Should We Really Screen for Genital Variants Before Birth? Eur Urol 2019; 76:e39-e40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2019.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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