Hormonal and cytogenetic studies in phenotypically female patients with gonadal dysgenesis

In 4 cases of gonadal dysgenesis the clinical, hormonal, cytogenetic, and histological findings were correlated. There were 2 patients with 46,XY karyotype, one patient with 45,X Turner's syndrome and one patient with a 46,XX chromosome complement. All patients had streak gonads with ovarian stroma. In one phenotypically female 46,XY individual an involuted gonadoblastoma was found. Her testosterone was four-fold higher in gonadal vein blood compared to peripheral blood. Cytogenetic analysis of multiple tissues in both cases with the 46,XY karyotype greatly reduced the probability of mosaicism. In the patient with 45,X Turner's syndrome and in the one with 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis only peripheral blood cells were karyotyped and mosaicism was not further excluded by analysis of other tissues. The concentrations of steroid hormones in gonadal vein blood were low. The levels ranged as follows: estrone 41-98 pg/ml, estradiol 18-90 pg/ml, testosterone 37-294 ng/100 ml, dihydrotestosterone 13-22 ng/100 ml, and progesterone 0.3-1.5 ng/ml. It was concluded that gonadal streaks were similarly deficient in biosynthesis of steroid hormones despite different chromosomal complements.     

High incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in gonadal tissues from patients with 45,X/46,XY gonadal dysgenesis

A higher incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions was found on gonadal DNA than on peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA and on streak gonads than on dysgenetic testis in 11 patients with 45,X/46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. It is probable that an association between Y-chromosome microdeletions and severity of the phenotype in 45,X/46,XY patients exists.     

Deoxyribonucleic acid analysis of the zinc finger Y gene in 45,X/46,XY subjects

The deoxyribonucleic acid from nine subjects with a 45,X/46,XY karyotype with a cytogenetically intact Y chromosome and phenotypically presenting with bilateral streak gonads, streak and testis, or bilateral scrotal testes along with a control male and female were analyzed for the presence of the zinc finger Y sequence through the molecular probe pDP1007. This particular probe is thought to constitute part of the putative testicular-determining factor gene. All the study subjects demonstrated the presence of zinc finger Y. Laser densitometry studies confirmed a correlation between the intensity of the zinc finger Y band and the percentage of Y cell lines. This study supports the fact that individuals with mixed gonadal dysgenesis and cytogenetically intact Y chromosomes will tend to have intact zinc finger Y sequences.     

X-Y translocations and sex differentiation

Translocations involving the X and Y chromosomes are often associated with anomalies of gonadal development. Transfer of Yp sequences, including the testis-determining SRY gene, to the terminal portion of the short arm of the X chromosome is associated with 46,XX maleness and in rare cases 46,XX true hermaphroditism. Three classes of XX males have been defined on the basis of the extent of Y material transferred to the X chromosome. In one class, the transfer of material involves aberrant recombination between two highly homologous genes, PKRX and PKRY, and there is evidence to suggest that this interchange is influenced by the Y chromosome background. Other types of X-Y translocations associated with anomalies of sex differentiation include Xp-Yq translocations, which result in a functional disomy of Xp sequences including the DSS locus and are associated with 46,XY complete or partial gonadal dysgenesis. In rare cases Yp-Xq translocations have been described in association with 46,XX maleness.     

Sex chromosomal mosaicism in the gonads of patients with gonadal dysgenesis, but normal female or male karyotypes in lymphocytes

OBJECTIVES: In most cases, XX or XY gonadal dysgenesis remains genetically unexplained. In this pilot study we searched for sex-chromosomal mosaicism in gonads of patients with XX or XY gonadal dysgenesis of undetermined origin. STUDY DESIGN: Gonadal tissues were analyzed by cytogenetic and interphase fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) analyses in four patients with gonadal dysgenesis and normal female (46,XX) or male (46,XY) karyotypes in lymphocytes. RESULTS: Cytogenetic and FISH analyses of the gonads demonstrated in three patients a sex-chromosomal mosaicism. Cytogenetic analysis of gonadal tissue of the fourth patient confirmed the result of the lymphocytes with 46,XX, but FISH analysis revealed in 17% of nuclei only one X-chromosome. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that sex-chromosomal mosaicism in gonads may be a frequent cause of gonadal dysgenesis despite of normal karyotypes in lymphocytes. Therefore, cytogenetic and FISH analyses of gonadal tissue can provide important information in unexplained cases of gonadal dysgenesis.     

Chromosomal complements in primary gonadal failure

Twenty-nine patients underwent clinical, hormonal, endoscopic, and cytogenetic studies to determine the cause of primary amenorrhea or delayed sexual development. In 19 of them (mean age 17.6 years), the X chromosome was either missing or anomalous. In ten patients (mean age 25.5 years), the chromosomal complement was normal, 46 XX in six patients and 46 XY in four patients. Those with abnormal chromosomal complements were shorter (mean height, 141.9 cm) than patients with normal complements (158.7 cm). Somatic stigmas were observed more frequently in patients with chromosomally abnormal primary gonadal failure. In 23 patients (79.3%), the gonads were streaks, with fibrous stroma devoid of either follicles or tubules containing germ cells. In three patients the ovaries were hypoplastic, with few primordial follicles. Gonadoblastoma was present in two patients with XY and mixed XX/X/XY gonadal dysgenesis. In every patient with streak gonads and lack of germ cells, serum gonadotropin levels were elevated. Karyotype, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) assays, and eventually laparoscopy and gonadal biopsy are important in the management of patients with primary gonadal failure.     

Scant XYqh- testicular cells with normal SRY was enough to differentiate bilateral testes in a 45,X/46,XYqh- patient

OBJECTIVE: It has been established that in 45,X/46,XY individuals predominance of XY or XO gonadal cells determines gonadal differentiation. However, in some cases there is no concordance between the predominance of XY cells and testis differentiation. Here we describe the SRY findings in a patient bearing a 45,X/46,XYqh- karyotype. STUDY DESIGN: The patient presented two small testes (one with spermatogenesis), a male phenotype, and a predominant 45,X karyotype in leukocytes and gonadal cells. PCRs of SRY, ZFY and Yqh were performed on DNA from leukocytes and from left gonadal tissue. SRY-PCR products were purified and sequenced. RESULTS: A normal SRY sequence was found in both tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the predominance of 45,X cells in gonads, some patients in whom SRY is normal can develop testes, probably due to the presence of alternative mechanisms involved in testicular differentiation; however, further gonadal development could be impaired.     

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma in patients with intersex disorders: The role of pituitary gonadotropins in ovarian tumorigenesis

The common epithelial tumors of the human ovary have rarely been found in the gonads of intersex patients with gonadal dysgenesis or true hermaphroditism. This report describes a patient with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (45,X/46,XY) and reviews other reported cases. Intersex patients require early evaluation with treatment based on the karyotypic risk of malignant gonadal transformation. Epithelial ovarian tumors arising in dysgenetic gonads, which lack ova and are incapable of ovulating, provide a unique model for understanding the role of pituitary gonadotropins in ovarian epithelial tumorigenesis.     

Swyer syndrome with SRY + Y chromosome and rudimentary internal genitalia demonstrating temporary action of antimüllerian hormone in utero: a case report

BACKGROUND: XY gonadal dysgenesis is characterized by streak gonads in phenotypic females without somatic abnormalities. This case demonstrated a hypoplastic uterus, an unlikely finding for the syndrome, suggesting insufficient function of antimüllerian hormone prenatally. CASE: A 20-year-old, female virgin was first seen 2 years earlier complaining of primary amenorrhea. She was 168 cm tall, and secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and pubic and axillary hair, were absent on physical examination. Chromosome analysis with fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed 46,XY, and a molecular investigation was undertaken to assess the possibility of a mutation in SRY through DNA sequencing. SRY mutations were absent. Bilateral laparoscopic removal of dysgenetic gonads was performed at another medical center immediately after genetic confirmation for an increased risk of malignancy. When the patient was seen 1 year later, we performed ultrasonography because of no menstrual outflow. Pelvic ultrasonography revealed a hypoplastic uterus (26 x 12 mm) with a rudimentary cervix. CONCLUSION: Clinical phenotypes of different mutations of the Y chromosome, particularly on SRY, may cause Swyer syndrome patients to have a uterus with fertility potential after oocyte donation.     

Gonadendysgenesie

In gonadal dysgenesis, differentiation of the primitive gonad to mature gonads is missing. The main symptoms include primary amenorrhea and missing secondary sexual development. To the gynecologist, pure gonadal dysgenesis 46,XX and 46,XY, mixed gonadal dysgenesis, and Turner’s syndrome are clinically important. In all patients with gonadal dysgenesis containing Y chromosome material (e.g. Swyer’s syndrome), removal of the gonads is highly recommended in order to prevent malignancy. The risk of malignancy in these organs is about 25%. Estrogen and progestogen replacement therapy is advocated at the onset of puberty for the induction of female sexual characteristics and prevention of the sequelae of chronic estrogen deficiency. Turner’s syndrome shows typical additional symptoms requiring an interdisciplinary approach, including pediatricians and internists.     

Mucinous cystadenoma in a female patient with 45,X/46,XY karyotype

The mosaic karyotype of 45,X/46,XY has a wide phenotypic spectrum and there are substantial differences between prenatally and postnatally diagnosed cases. The phenotype varies between normal male to classical Turner syndrome. There is a high risk of gonadal tumor development in the dysgenetic gonads of patients with sex chromosome mosaicism. We report a case of a 24-year-old patient with a pelvic mass and amenorrhea referred to our laboratory for karyotyping. Peripheral blood chromosome analysis showed a mosaic karyotype of 45,X[17]/46,XY[83]. The tumor originated from the left ovary and the right ovary was found to be a streak gonad. The uterus was intact. Pathologic examination of the tumor revealed mucinous cystadenoma. Physical examination of the patient showed signs of Turner syndrome, as short stature (145 cm), short neck and asymmetric shoulders. Her mental state was normal. Y chromosome microdeletion screening involving SRY and ZFY genes was performed and no deletion was found. The patient was informed about the condition during the genetic counseling session.     

Development of dysgerminomas from gonadoblastomas (report of 2 cases with XY gonadal dysgenesis)

Gonadoblastomas have a propensity to give rise to malignant germ cell neoplasms. This report analyzes the clinicopathologic findings in two phenotypic females with features of 46, XY pure gonadal dysgenesis, who developed dysgerminomas in gonadoblastomas. All stages in the evolution of the dysgerminomas from the germ cells in gonadoblastomas were observed. The pathogenesis of the XY gonadal dysgenesis is briefly discussed. Finally the strict recommendation is given to remove the streak gonads with and without tumors in such individuals.     

Cytogenetic studies in primary amenorrhea]

Cytogenetic analysis in 125 women with primary amenorrhea consisting of determinations of sex chromatin and karyotype, and in some cases of autoradiography were performed. On the basis of clinical, endocrinologic and cytogenetic criteria, the women were divided into ten clinical groups. In Turner's syndrome 45,X monosomie was observed only in 9 patients and in the remaining 12 cases varies types of mosaicism or of structural aberrations of the X chromosome. In pure gonadal dysgenesis, the patients exhibited 46,XY karyotype have the tendency to malign tumors of the gonads. In all cases with male pseudohermaphroditism the karyotypes 46,XY were observed. The remaining patients with primary amenorrhea exhibited 46,XX karyotype and belonged to the cases with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kustner syndrome, with adrenogenital syndrome, with hypoplasia of the ovaries, with primary amenorrhea of uterine or pituitary origin or at last with pubertas tarda.     

Gonadal dysgenesis and somatic stigmata in patients with 45,X/46,Xr(X) ring chromosome

Two cases of gonadal dysgenesis and stigmata of Turner's syndrome with ring chromosome X are described. Their features support the idea that ring chromosome X should be considered as a deletion in the genetic sense, affecting both the gonadal and statural determinants. Without knowing the cytogenetic findings, these patients are usually labeled as having Turner's syndrome. Furthermore, endocrine data and histologic examination of the gonads are indistinguishable from those of individuals with 45,X or 46XX gonadal dysgenesis.     

Management of phenotypic female patients with an XY karyotype

Nine phenotypic female patients with XY karyotype were evaluated through a clinical, cytogenetic, hormonal, endoscopic and histologic diagnostic protocol. Seven patients complained of primary amenorrhea and two patients of abnormal puberal development. The final diagnosis was XY gonadal dysgenesis (n = 5) and testicular feminization syndrome (n = 4). Two patients were less than 155 cm tall, and the remainder were over 155. Minor somatic anomalies were found in two patients with XY gonadal dysgenesis. Patient with testicular feminization syndrome had FSH and LH within the normal range, and patients with XY gonadal dysgenesis had elevated FSH and LH levels. Gonadoblastomas were found in two patients with XY gonadal dysgenesis (one patient with XO/XX/XY mosaicism). Laparoscopy and gonadal biopsy might be useful in some patients to avoid confusion between XY gonadal dysgenesis and testicular feminization syndrome. Early diagnosis of XY gonadal dysgenesis is always desirable, and bilateral gonadectomy is indicated as soon as the diagnosis is made in patients with a Y chromosome and elevated FSH levels. Surgical removal of the gonads from patients with testicular feminization should be delayed until the completion of puberty because of the low risk of malignancy.     

Bilateral seminomas in a 45X/46XY mosaic with Turner's phenotype: an unusual case of mixed gonadal dysgenesis

A wide spectrum of phenotypic manifestations are seen in cases with 45X/46XY mosaicism. We present a case with 45X/46XY having female phenotype with Turner's stigmata. Prophylactic laparoscopic gonadectomy was performed and the patient was found to have mixed gonadal dysgenesis with bilateral gonadoblastomas. Microinvasive seminomas were also detected in both gonadoblastomas. The presence of Y cell line in karyotype prompted early and prophylactic gonadectomy, a procedure which is life-saving for these individuals.     

Laparoscopic gonadectomy in a case of a dicentric fluorescent Y-chromosome mosaicism with Turner-like phenotype and virilized external genitalia

In few cases of Turner syndrome the karyotype reveals the presence of an additional Y-bearing cell line, which is referred to as a borderline case of mixed gonadal dysgenesis. We report a 20-year-old woman with primary amenorrhea, virilization and a few Turner stigmata, who revealed rare mosaicism of 45,X/46,X dic (Y; 5)(q12; q11), +5/46,X, der (Y), which was detected by conventional G-banding and multicolor spectral karyotyping. She underwent laparoscopic gonadectomy in which mixed gonadal dysgenesis was found and both gonads were removed. No evidence of gonadoblastoma was noted on the gonads. Virilization improved postoperatively. We recommend gonadectomy via laparoscope in women presenting with Turner-like phenotype, virilization and the presence of a Y chromosome. This report describes the role of cytogenetic and molecular genetic investigations in the definition of mosaicism in Turner syndrome.     

The importance of determining karyotype in premenarchal females with gonadal dysgerminoma: two case reports

Abstract. Gonadal dysgerminomas developed in two girls, aged 12 and 15 years. Both were initially treated with conservative unilateral gonadectomy. Forty-six, XY gonadal dysgenesis was not suspected in either patient due to the normal appearance of the contralateral gonads and internal female genital organs. One died of a second germ cell malignancy which developed in the contralateral ovary 9½ years later. The diagnosis of 46, XY gonadal dysgenesis was established by karyotype in both patients. Although conservative surgical management is desirable for nulliparous women with unilateral dysgerminomas, the presence of 46, XY gonadal dysgenesis should be suspected in all premenarchal girls with ovarian germ cell malignancies. If karyotyping reveals the presence of an Y chromosome, bilateral gonadectomy is indicated because of the risk that another neoplasm may develop in the contralateral ovary.     

Serum immunoglobulin levels,autoimmunity and cell-mediated immunity in primary ovarian failure

Serum immunoglobulin levels and autoantibodies to thyroid and ovary were estimated in patients with primary ovarian failure. IgG and IgM levels in 29 patients with 45X0 karyotype, 9 with pure gonadal dysgenesis with 46XX karyotype, 2 with 46XY karyotype, and 4 others with chromosomal mosaicism were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those in a control group of 45 age-matched normal females in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. IgA and IgE levels were comparable in patients and controls. However, for patients in the 45X0 group, both IgE and testosterone levels were lower than for those with the 46XX karyotype. The 45X0 group also had significantly higher titers of anti-thyroid antibodies than either normals or pure gonadal dysgenetics (46XX). Both patient groups (45X0 and 46XX) had higher titers of anti-ovarian antibodies (mainly against follicles, as determined by immunofluorescence) than did normals. Patients with other karyotypes did not show evidence of autoimmunity to thyroid or ovary. In seven patients tested for total and active T-cell populations and lymphocyte responses to concanavalin A, these parameters of cell-mediated immunity were lower than in age-matched normals, whereas their responses to phytohemagglutinin were within the normal range.