Embryonal carcinoma in androgen insensitivity syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome: Can cytology help?

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is described as a patient's clinical (phenotypical) presentation as a female with male karyotyping. Classically, patients are normal looking females with complaints of primary amenorrhea. The gonads may be found as extra-genital swellings; rarely, the testes may undergo malignant transformation. Thus, gonadectomy is indicated in these patients on attaining puberty. A rare and interesting case of clinically unsuspected AIS in a young female who presented with primary amenorrhea and inguinal swelling is reported. The initial diagnosis was suggested on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the inguinal swelling that showed the presence of Sertoli cells. Further family history revealed two similar siblings; karyotyping and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of AIS in the patient. This case highlights the importance of FNAC in early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to confirm the diagnosis and help in appropriate management.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome diagnosed in an elderly patient during a strangulated inguinal hernia repair

INTRODUCTION

A strangulated inguinal hernia is a common indication for emergency surgery. In comparison, complete testicular feminization is a rare genetic disease that can present with an inguinal hernia because of ectopically positioned testicles.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 70-year-old female was admitted to the emergency service complaining of a painful swelling in the right inguinal region for 1 day. The physical examination indicated a strangulated inguinal hernia and surgery was performed. On exploring the inguinal region, a strangulated indirect inguinal hernia and hard 2×3-cm mass were detected. The histopathological examination of the excised mass showed testicular tissue, and complete testicular feminization (CTF) was diagnosed after further examinations.

DISCUSSION

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), the most frequent cause of male pseudohermaphroditism. The diagnosis of patients with AIS is usually made at the beginning of the second decade when a healthy person with a female phenotype complains of no menarche. Making a first diagnosis after the 5th decade is extremely rare.

CONCLUSION

While AIS can be diagnosed in early adulthood, cases might not bediagnosed until the patient is of advanced age.