Last update:

   05-Dec-2022
 

Arch Hellen Med, 39(6),November-December 2022, 853-856

CASE REPORT

Sex reversal syndrome (46,XX male) in an infertile male

E. Kouvidi,1 S. Zachaki,1 L. Lazaros,1 K. Manola,2 R. Dobrescu,3 H. Tsimela,1 I. Karandrea,1 E. Kanavakis,1 A. Mavrou1
1Genesis Genoma Lab, Genetic Diagnosis, Clinical Genetics and Research, Athens,
2Laboratory of Health Physics, Radiobiology and Cytogenetics, "Demokritos" National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR), Athens, Greece,
3Medsana Medical Center Srl, Bucharest, Romania

46,XX male sex reversal syndrome, or de la Chapelle syndrome, is a rare chromosomal abnormality related to male infertility. A 39-year-old male was referred for cytogenetic analysis because of primary hypogonadism and infertility. He had a normal male phenotype, mild gynecomastia and small testicles. Conventional cytogenetic analysis was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes, and further investigation followed using molecular techniques. Karyotypic analysis showed a 46,XX karyotype in all metaphases examined. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques confirmed the presence of two X chromosomes and revealed the presence of the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene on the short arm of one X chromosome, and the absence of all azoospermia factor (AZF) genetic regions. It is evident that men with primary hypogonadism and normal phenotype should undergo conventional cytogenetic analysis and, in the case of a 46,XX karyotype, further molecular testing should follow for the detection of the SRY gene.

Key words: 46,XX male, Infertility, Sex reversal, SRY gene.


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