Two patients with unilateral transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) without the persistence of Mullerian duct structures are described. Each presented with unilateral impalpable testis and a contralateral inguinal hernia. The diagnosis of unilateral TTE was made during laparoscopic evaluation for undescended testis. The first patient had unilateral TTE on the right side and the second on the left. In both patients, a long thin band resembling the round ligament of the uterus was seen extending from the region of the internal inguinal ring (IIR) on the side of the undescended testis to the opposite inguinal canal. In both patients, there was no patent processus vaginalis on the side of the undescended testis and on the contralateral side the internal rings were widely patent with large hernial sacs. In the second patient, the right vas was seen extending from the right IIR towards the right side of the pelvis. The right vas showed a short segment of discontinuity at the level of the right IIR while its proximal end extended into the left inguinal canal in close relation to the right spermatic vessels. The vasal anomaly was probably ischemic in origin, resulting from excessive mobility of the ectopic testis and its vas in TTE. Correlation of the current hypotheses on the embryology of TTE with the above mentioned laparoscopic findings is discussed.
An eighteen month old phenotypically and genotypically normal male child was admitted with a left inguinal hernia and a right undescended testis. At operation, he was found to have a uterus, bilateral fallopian tubes, and a vagina in the left hernial sac. Bilateral orchidopexies and excision of the persistent Mullerian duct structures were carried out. This rare case of persistent Mullerian duct syndrome is due to a defect in Mullerian regression, which is in turn controlled by the Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS). Orchidopexy with excision of the persistent Mullerian duct structures is usually not possible without damage to the vas deferens which is closely adherent to the wall of the uterus. The alternative of leaving the persistent Mullerian duct structures alone and performing a staged or primary orchidopexy has been suggested.
A 29-year-old lady with Müllerian dysgenesis was keen to have a baby. Clinically, she was medium built with well-developed secondary female sexual characteristics. There was a short and blind vagina. She had undergone surgery for an imperforated hymen. Her FSH and LH concentrations were normal. Laparoscopy revealed a patent right Fallopian tube, a rudimentary right uterus and extensive pelvic endometriosis. She subsequently underwent gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT). Oocyte retrieval was carried out laparoscopically and a total of nine oocytes were retrieved. Four of the oocytes were transferred together with motile spermatozoa into the right Fallopian tube and the remaining five oocytes were inseminated with spermatozoa for IVF. Three embryos resulted and were frozen. She subsequently developed moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Serum β-human chorionic gonadotrophin concentration 14 days after GIFT was 1612 IU/l. Her antenatal care was relatively uneventful until 31 weeks of gestation when she was diagnosed to have intrauterine growth retardation and oligohydramnios. She then underwent an emergency Caesarean section at 32 weeks of pregnancy delivering a normal baby. This case study describes a successful pregnancy outcome following gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) in a woman with malformation of the vagina (Müllerian dysgenesis). A 29-year-old lady with Müllerian dysgenesis diagnosed at 16 years of age was keen to become pregnant. Upon examination, a decision was made for a William's vulvovaginoplasty but as the patient was indecisive the surgery was deferred. Clinically, she is a medium-built lady with well-developed secondary female sexual characteristics. There was a short and blind vagina. Her serum FSH and LH concentrations were normal. Laparoscopy revealed a patent right Fallopian tube, a rudimentary right uterus and extensive pelvic endometriosis. She subsequently underwent GIFT. Nine oocytes were retrieved through laparoscopy. Four of the oocytes were transferred together with motile sperm into the right Fallopian tube and the remaining five oocytes were inseminated with sperm for IVF. Three embryos resulted and were frozen. Serum β human chorionic gonadotrophin concentration measured 14 days after GIFT was 1612 IU/l. An abdominal ultrasonography performed at 5 weeks showed one intrauterine gestational sac. Her antenatal care was uneventful until 31 weeks of gestation when she developed a deficiency of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. She then underwent an emergency Caesarean section at 32 weeks of pregnancy. She delivered a healthy, normal 1.24 kg baby boy. Her post-natal care was uneventful.
Amenorrhea is a common menstrual problem seen in adolescents. Amenorrhea has been shown to have a negative impact on adolescents' quality of life. In this paper we discuss the various causes and investigations of amenorrhea in adolescents and address management dilemmas for specific conditions. Specific approaches in dealing with adolescents using the HEADSS (Home, Education, Activity, Drugs, Sexual activity, Suicidal) approach are discussed.