Idiopathic isolated clitoromegaly: A report of two cases

Imaging in fetal genital anomalies

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.

Genital reconstruction in an adult female patient with idiopathic clitoromegaly: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Clitoromegaly is an abnormality condition commonly related to congenital adrenal hyperplasia; it is rare due to idiopathic. Until now, there is no report about idiopathic clitoromegaly who reach adulthood and evaluation of their sexual life after reconstructive surgery.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We presented an adult female patient with chief complain of enlarged clitoris since birth. The phenotypic appearance of ambiguous external genitalia resembling severe hypospadias with scrotal bifid. Other female secondary sexual characteristics were normal. The karyotype test result was 46 XX. We did genitalia reconstruction with nerve-sparing clitoroplasty, oral mucosal graft vaginoplasty, and labioplasty.

DISCUSSION

Many factors contribute to clitoromegaly which emerge transiently during the intrauterine period. Our case was unique due to clitoromegaly persistence until adulthood and can not be explained by any hypotheses. Adult females with clitoromegaly and urogenital sinus (UGS) bring a specific problem, especially to their sexual life. The reconstructive surgery should consider the phenotype of genital anatomy, preservation of clitoral neurovascular bundles, and adequate dimension of the vagina. Oral mucosal graft is an option as substitutive materials that can be used for vaginal augmentation.

CONCLUSION

This is a case report of adult female idiopathic clitoromegaly patient. Scrutinized evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Many aspects should be considered to perform feminizing genitoplasty. The surgery did not reduce the sensitivity of clitoris and allow the patient to do sexual activity after marriage during a one-year follow up.

A Case of Unusual Clitoromegaly

BACKGROUND

A mild degree of clitoromegaly can be associated with patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We describe an unusually significant clitoromegaly in a patient with PCOS.

CASE

An 18-year-old nonobese female patient was referred for clitoromegaly. Her genitalia exam showed significant clitoral enlargement with a well-formed glans, clitoris measured at 35 mm for length and 10 mm for width. Pelvic ultrasound showed a left ovarian cyst. Her testosterone level ranged from 28.8 to 64.1 ng/dL (normal: 8.4-48.1 ng/dL) with normal sex hormone binding globulin. Other ovarian hormones were in acceptable ranges.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the coexistence of significant clitoromegaly, PCOS, and nonfunctioning ovarian cyst.

Clitoromegaly in Childhood and Adolescence: Behind One Clinical Sign, a Clinical Sea

The clitoris is a highly complex organ whose structure has only been clarified in recent years through the use of modern imaging techniques. Clitoromegaly is an abnormal enlargement of this organ. It may be congenital or acquired and is usually due to an excess of androgens in fetal life, infancy, or adolescence. Obvious clitoromegaly in individuals with ambiguous genitalia is easily identifiable, whereas borderline conditions can pass unnoticed. Case reports of clitoromegaly with or without clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism are quite numerous. In these subjects, a comprehensive physical examination and an accurate personal and family history are needed to investigate the enlargement. We reviewed the literature on the conditions that may be involved in the development of clitoromegaly in childhood and adolescence.

Magnetic resonance neurographic confirmation of extensive Plexiform neurofibroma in neurofibromatosis-1 presenting as ambiguous genitalia

Genitourinary involvement of neurofibromatosis is uncommon and genital neurofibromatosis is even rarer. Involvement of clitoris by neurofibroma can lead to clitoromegaly masquerading as a male penis. We report such a case of ambiguous genitalia in a 7-year-old female child presenting with clitoromegaly since birth, in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the presence of extensive neurofibromatosis in the clitoris and lumbosacral regions. We emphasize the central role of MRI in evaluation of hormonal and non-hormonal causes of ambiguous genitalia. We further discuss the merits of including MR neurography in the imaging protocol for comprehensive delineation of neurofibromatosis.

Nerve sparing clitoroplasty in a rare case of idiopathic clitoromegaly

Clitoromegaly is an embarrassing condition causing psychological stress, requiring intervention. The goals of clitoroplasty are to achieve normal genital anatomy and to preserve tactile sensation with a satisfactory sexual response. We present a rare case of idiopathic clitoromegaly managed by reduction clitoroplasty, preserving the dorsal neurovascular bundle and extensive network of nerves around the corpora to the glans and the creation of labia minora.

Controversies on clitoroplasty

A review of the literature regarding the current state of knowledge of the anatomic and physiologic features of the female clitoris was conducted. Based on this evaluation, operations on the clitoris were reviewed. The anatomic and physiologic reconstruction problems of surgical techniques for female pseudohermaphroditism that have previously been reported were reviewed. The author suggests that clitoroplasty is essential for patients with ambiguous genitalia, but the decision regarding the correct procedure, taking into account anatomic and physiologic success, can be controversial. This may be because of unclear anatomic and physiologic definitions, even for healthy people. As a temporary solution, more conservative procedures for maximally effective treatment are suggested.

Vascular hamartoma: an unusual cause of clitoromegaly in an 18-year-old patient

OBJECTIVE

Clitoromegaly encountered in clinical practice is more commonly due to endocrinopathies either congenital or acquired. However, acquired clitoromegaly due to a nonhormonal cause is quite rare. The authors report a case of nonhormonal-acquired clitoromegaly in a woman.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a case report of an 18-year-old patient with slowly increasing swelling in the vulval area for the past 6 months. Clinical examination revealed an enlarged, soft, nontender clitoris (4 × 2.5 cm), with a lobulated surface.

RESULTS

Frozen section from clitoral mass showed a benign tumor. Surgical excision of the mass was carried out, preserving the glans. Histopathologic examination of the excised mass showed congested blood vessels and fibromuscular tissue with free nerve endings suggestive of vascular hamartoma of clitoris.

CONCLUSIONS

The correct diagnosis of clitoromegaly is essential so that suitable therapy is instituted. Thus, management of such cases needs a good clinical judgment and a judicious individualization of management protocols.

Acquired (idiopathic) intradermal nevus with junctional activity presenting as clitoromegaly in a child: report of a case

Clitoromegaly (macroclitoris) can either be congenital or acquired. Intradermal nevus presenting as clitoromegaly in a child is extremely rare. Extensive Medline search has failed to reveal any published article on this. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first patient with this presentation in a 6-year-old child.

Isolated transient neonatal clitoromegaly with hyperandrogenism of unknown etiology

BACKGROUND

Neonatal clitoromegaly is usually attributed to androgen stimulation secondary to congenital adrenal hyperplasia or in utero androgen exposure. We present a unique case of transient, isolated neonatal clitoromegaly, associated with increased androgen levels of unidentifiable cause, which spontaneously resolved when the androgen levels normalized. This is the first report where, despite an exhaustive workup, the cause of hyperandrogenism remains unknown.

CASE

A female infant was delivered at 25 + 5 weeks gestational age. Clitoromegaly was first documented at 3 months of age (18 mm long, |13 mm wide). There was no other evidence of virilization. There was no neonatal history of transfusions or androgen-medication exposure. Initial bloodwork documented extremely high levels of free testosterone (117 pmol/L) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Further tests ruled out the following diagnoses: 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 11-betahydroxylase deficiency, testicular feminization, presence of ovotesticular tissue, and androgen-secreting tumors. Maternal history ruled out in utero androgen exposure, maternal drug use, hyperandrogenism, or virilization during pregnancy, and antenatal imaging had not detected a maternal ovarian mass or adrenal tumor. The infant's androgen levels spontaneously declined, and by 4 months of age had normalized without therapy (free testosterone 8 pmol/L). At 5 months of age, the clitoral measurements normalized (10mm long, 5mm wide).

CONCLUSION

In this case of a premature female infant, hyperandrogenism and clitoromegaly resolved spontaneously. Only 1 other case of hyperandrogenism and clitoromegaly that resolved spontaneously in a preterm infant has been reported. In that case, the clitoromegaly and high testosterone levels were attributed to repeated blood transfusions from an adult male. The etiology of the hyperandrogenism and resultant clitoromegaly in our case is not known.

Treatment of clitoromegaly of culturally diverse patients

OBJECTIVE

Clitoroplasty is a procedure usually performed in young children, but its long-term psychosexual importance is controversial. We present two adult women from different cultural backgrounds who desired surgery for clitoromegaly.

METHODS

A similar clitoroplasty procedure with preservation of the neurovascular bundle was performed on both patients. Preoperative and postoperative interviews were conducted by an independent observer to learn about the effects of the condition and the surgery.

RESULTS

The Icelandic patient had bilateral ovarian dysgerminomas and a gonadoblastoma. The Bolivian patient had a 17beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase deficiency. Both patients reported normal libido but sexual inactivity because they felt 'embarrassed'. Postoperatively, our patients reported normal clitoral sensation and that they were sexually active. They differed in their opinion regarding the optimal timing of clitoroplasty - one suggesting surgery soon after birth and the other recommending deferral until informed consent by the patient is possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of cultural background patients are affected by clitoromegaly. This is demonstrated in these cases by the reported feelings of discomfort, distress, and sexual inactivity due to embarrassment. The long-term significance of clitoromegaly and the value of clitoroplasty for young patients with disorders of sexual differentiation remain controversial.

[Contribution of ultrasonography to the diagnosis of non-hormonal acquired clitoromegalia: a case report]

We report the case of a 30-year-old woman, consulting for a painful clitoromegaly which developed progressively and rapidly. The gyneco-endocrinological assessment ruled out hyperandrogenism. Ultrasound examination of the clitoris revealed the presence of a clitoral cyst. Acquired clitoromegaly is a symptom which occurs in severe hyperandrogenism. Other organic etiologies include clitoral cysts of various nature and solid tumors. An ultrasonographic examination should be included in the diagnostic work-up for acquired clitoromegaly.