The Vanishing Testis Syndrome: Indications for Conservative Therapy

Abstract

Bilateral anorchism is a rare condition. In the past almost all of these patients have undergone surgical exploration. With modern laboratory determinations of serum gonadotropin and testosterone it is now possible to avoid operation in a large number of these cases. A case is presented that illustrates this point and a protocol is established for the treatment of bilateral anorchism, including indications for operation and conservative management.

Congenital absence of the testis in human fetuses and in cryptorchid patients

“…Bilateral anorchia with male phenotype preserved is explained due to the period in which the fetal testes vanish (probably because of twisting). In the cases where vanishing testes occurs after the 16th week of development, the penis and the scrotum are normally formed 10,18 . Therefore, anorchia with male phenotype indicates that the testes were present until 16th week of development and then vanished.…”

“…In the cases where vanishing testes occurs after the 16th week of development, the penis and the scrotum are normally formed. 10,18 Therefore, anorchia with male phenotype indicates that the testes were present until 16th week of development and then vanished. We did not find any case of anorchia among the patients with cryptorchidism.…”

“…The absent testis is also called a vanished (or vanishing testis). Bilateral absence (anorchia) is a very rare condition, occurring in approximately 1 of every 2000 births 18 …”

“…Bilateral absence (anorchia) is a very rare condition, occurring in approximately 1 of every 2000 births. 18 Cryptorchidism is a multifactorial condition, associated with several congenital anomalies (hypospadias, inguinal hernia, epididymal anomalies and renal anomalies) and genetic syndromes (trisomy 13, trisomy 18, Fraser's, Carpenter's, Prader-Willi's and Prune-belly syndromes). 11,17 Epididymal anomalies and hernias are among the most frequent anomalies associated with cryptorchidism.…”

Valor de la biopsia gonadal en el diagnóstico de los desórdenes del desarrollo sexual

“…Este término fue acuñado por Abeyaratne, Aherne y Scottt en 1969 61 62,63 . Los restos testiculares junto con el deferente, acompañado o no del epidídimo, está alojado la mayoría de las veces en el canal inguinal o se sitúa alto en el escroto.…”