van Bever Y, Wolffenbuttel KP, Brüggenwirth HT, Blom E, de Klein A, Eussen BHJ, van der Windt F, Hannema SE, Dessens AB, Dorssers LCJ, Biermann K, Hersmus R, de Rijke YB, Looijenga LHJ. Multiparameter Investigation of a 46,XX/46,XY Tetragametic Chimeric Phenotypical Male Patient with Bilateral Scrotal Ovotestes and Ovulatory Activity.
Sex Dev 2017;
12:145-154. [PMID:
28926831 DOI:
10.1159/000479946]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on an adult male initially presenting with gynecomastia and a painless scrotal mass without additional genital anomalies. Hyperpigmentation of the skin following the Blaschko's lines was identified. He underwent gonadectomy because of suspected cancer. Histological analyses revealed an ovotestis with ovulatory activity confirmed by immunohistochemistry with multiple markers. Karyotyping of cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes and a buccal smear revealed a 46,XX/46,XY chimeric constitution with different percentages. Multiple molecular analyses as well as blood typing implied a tetragametic origin. After the unilateral gonadectomy, the patient developed recurrent painful cystic swellings of the remaining gonad. Because of the wish to preserve hormonal activity as well as future fertility, the patient underwent surgical resection of a cystic gonadal area. The removed tissue showed ovulation-related features in addition to both testicular and ovarian tissue, diagnosed as an ovotestis. Testosterone therapy was initiated to suppress the persistently elevated gonadotropins and thereby suppress ovarian activity. During treatment, the recurrent pain complaints and cystic swellings ceased, although gonadotropin levels were not fully suppressed. Based on these observations, the importance of a detailed genetic and pathological diagnosis and the clinical dilemmas including the pros and cons of personalized treatment with gonadal preservative surgery are discussed.
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