LARS2-Perrault syndrome: a new case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Perrault syndrome is a rare recessive and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss in males and females and gonadal dysgenesis in females. Mutations in seven different genes have been identified: HARS2, HSD17B4, CLLP, C10orf, ERAL1, TWNK and LARS2. To date, 19 variants have been reported in 18 individuals with LARS2-Perrault syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we describe the case of an 8-year-old girl with compound heterozygous missense mutations in the LARS2 gene. We identified two missense mutations [c.457A > C, p.(Asn153His) and c.1565C > A, p.(Thr522Asn)] and subsequent familial segregation showed that each parent had transmitted a mutation. CONCLUSIONS: These results have implications for genetic counseling and provide insight into the functional role of LARS2. This case highlights the importance of an early diagnosis. Systematic genetic screening of children with hearing loss allows the early identification of a Perrault syndrome in order to ensure specific endocrinological surveillance and management to prevent secondary complications. Clinical data are compared with the other cases reported in the literature.

A case report of an incidental finding of a 46,XX, SRY-negative male with masculine phenotype during standard fertility workup with review of the literature and proposed immediate and long-term management guidance.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and explore the current literature on the rare genetic condition of 46,XX SRY-negative males. In addition, we propose comprehensive clinical guidelines in the management of this condition to aid fertility clinicians in their management of affected individuals. DESIGN: Case report with expert consensus-derived clinical management guidance. SETTING: Fertility outpatient clinic at a tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): A 40-year-old male found to have 46,XX disorder of sex development (DSD) on routine fertility screening. INTERVENTION(S): A review of the literature, expert consultation, and formulation of comprehensive clinical guidance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We report an interesting and rare case of a phenotypical male with the karyotype 46,XX DSD without an SRY region. There is limited literature exploring this condition, and its etiology remains poorly understood. There is currently no clinical guidance available for fertility clinicians to follow when treating this condition. RESULT(S): A male phenotype with a 46 karyotype without the sex-defining region of the Y chromosome. CONCLUSION(S): A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted in the management of 46,XX individuals. All patients with azoospermia must be karyotyped. Sperm donation remains the only fertility treatment available. The 46,XX patients need lifelong followup led by an endocrinologist with regular imaging of the gonads, bone density measurements, baseline blood tests, and T supplementation. Psychological support is a key part of a holistic approach.

Rare cases of disorders of sex development (DSD) in adolescents with female phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Disorders of sex development (DSD) belong to uncommon pathologies; in addition, there are especially rare forms, such are ovotesticular disorders (OT), Turner syndrome and early malignisation of intraabdominal located gonads in the cases of androgen insensitivity syndrome. OBJECTIVE: In this article we present four rare cases of DSD in female phenotype adolescents: two cases of ovotesticular DSD with 46,XX and 46,XY karyotypes; one familial case of androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) with early malignancy (19-year-old) of intra-abdominally-located testicle in older siblings, and a case of spontaneous menstruation in a patient with Turner syndrome and mosaic karyotype 45,X/47,XXX. Rare cases of DSD are connected with diagnostic and management difficulties and so description of each such case and collection of data in this field is very important from a scientific, as well as a practical, point of view. Determination of prognosis and adequate management of each individual patient are also essential. Study of this issue is especially sensitive in the case of adolescent patients in order to avoid physiological stress, to reduce health risks and to improve quality of life.

46, XX man with SRY gene translocation: cytogenetic characteristics, clinical features and management.

This report describes a well-masculinized 33-year-old man with infertility and primary hypogonadism in whom chromosomal evaluation revealed a 46, XX karyotype. This syndrome is a rare but important cause of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in which the diagnosis can be delayed or missed. A review of the cytogenetic basis and clinical features is presented to raise awareness of this entity among clinicians and to emphasize the importance of appropriate laboratory testing when indicated.

[Pure gonadal dysgenesis XX and XY: observations in fifteen patients]. / Dysgénésies gonadiques pures XX et XY: à propos de 15 cas.

BACKGROUND: Pure gondal dysgenesis is characterized by impuberism with a female phenotype without genital ambiguity. The aim of the study is to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic patterns as well as the clinical features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 15 patients with pure gonadal dysgenesis (15 patients, 46 XX and two 46 XY). Clinical parameters, familial cases, serum gonadotropin levels, pelvic ultrasonography, endoscopic data, karyotype, analysis of SRY (sex determining Y chromosome) and therapeutic control and clinical course were recorded. RESULTS: Average age at diagnosis was 21+/-2.83 years. Primary amenorrhea was the most frequent reason for consultation. A familial case was found in five patients. The association of sensorineural deafness was noted in one patient, suggesting Perrault's syndrome. Serum gonadotropin levels were elevated. Celioscopic evaluation carried out for six patients confirmed the diagnosis. There was one case of uterine and vaginal aplasia association (Mayer-Rokytansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome). In one XY patient, SRY analysis was normal. Prophylactic gonadectomy was performed in both XY patients. Substitution therapy was initiated in 11 patients. Follow-up in 6 patients revealed development of secondary sexual characters. DISCUSSION: The clinical, biological and histological features of our patients presenting pure gonadal dysgenesis XX were in agreement with earlier reports in the literature. Familial cases suggest possible autosomal transmission. The lack of a mutation in XY patients suggests a post-transcription anomaly. Complete or parital dysgenesis can be identified by histological analysis of the gondads. CONCLUSION: Study of sex determining genes should provide new perspectives for earlier diagnosis and treatment of pure gondadal dysgenesis.

[Inappropriate sexual differentiation of sex reversal type in 16-year-old boy with male phenotype]. / Zaburzenie róznicowania plci o typie sex reversal u 16-letniego fenotypowego chlopca.

We present a case of a 16-year-old boy with gynecomastia and symptoms of delayed puberty (relatively small testes and penis), who attended the Endocrinology Clinic. Pubic hair development was normal. Basic hormonal blood tests showed a primary testicular lesion (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism). The result of karyotype examination showed female karyotype 46, XX. Based on those results the boy was diagnosed to be 46, XX male. A replacement testosterone therapy was administered. He stays in follow-up for gonad observation. The authors emphasize the possibility of establishing the diagnosis of a severe disorder belonging to the group of inappropriate sex differentiation of sex reversal type not earlier than in teenage adolescents, who present symptoms of delayed puberty. In such cases the main rule in establishing a final diagnosis is played by a physical examination with evaluation of sex development, as well as basic hormonal blood tests and karyotype result. Their correct interpretation is possible only by a physician who has reliable knowledge of the physiology of male sex determination.

46,XX sex reversal.

In humans, sexual differentiation is directed by SRY, a master regulatory gene located at the Y chromosome. This gene initiates the male pathway or represses the female pathway by regulating the transcription of downstream genes; however, the precise mechanisms by which SRY acts are largely unknown. Moreover, several genes have recently been implicated in the development of the bipotential gonad even before SRY is expressed. In some individuals, the normal process of sexual differentiation is altered and a sex reversal disorder is observed. These subjects present the chromosomes of one sex but the physical attributes of the other. Over the past years, considerable progress has been achieved in the molecular characterization of these disorders by using a combination of strategies including cell biology, animal models, and by studying patients with these pathologic entities.