scholarly journals Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: From Bench to Bed

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1264
Author(s):  
Nina Tyutyusheva ◽  
Ilaria Mancini ◽  
Giampiero Igli Baroncelli ◽  
Sofia D’Elios ◽  
Diego Peroni ◽  
...  

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is due to complete resistance to the action of androgens, determining a female phenotype in persons with a 46,XY karyotype and functioning testes. CAIS is caused by inactivating mutations in the androgen receptor gene (AR). It is organized in eight exons located on the X chromosome. Hundreds of genetic variants in the AR gene have been reported in CAIS. They are distributed throughout the gene with a preponderance located in the ligand-binding domain. CAIS mainly presents as primary amenorrhea in an adolescent female or as a bilateral inguinal/labial hernia containing testes in prepubertal children. Some issues regarding the management of females with CAIS remain poorly standardized (such as the follow-up of intact testes, the timing of gonadal removal and optimal hormone replacement therapy). Basic research will lead to the consideration of new issues to improve long-term well-being (such as bone health, immune and metabolic aspects and cardiovascular risk). An expert multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to increase the long-term quality of life of women with CAIS.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Farah ◽  
Dana El Masri ◽  
Kamal Hirbli

Abstract Background Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a rare X-linked disorder of sex development, caused by mutations in the androgen receptor. In this case, a 13-year-old child, reared as female, presenting for primary amenorrhea, was diagnosed with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. Case presentation A 13-year-old Caucasian child, reared as female, presents with primary amenorrhea. Physical examination revealed female appearance and a short vagina with blind-ended pouch. Laboratory examination showed high levels of testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone; uterus and ovaries were absent. Karyotype confirmed a 46,XY pattern. Deoxyribonucleic acid analysis of the androgen receptor gene revealed a homozygous mutation p.R856C in exon 7. Gender was assigned as female, and she was started on hormonal therapy and underwent gonadectomy. Conclusion Androgen insensitivity syndrome comprises a large spectrum of presentations. High index of suspicion is needed. Investigation of girls with bilateral inguinal hernia is critical.


Author(s):  
Ambika Shankar ◽  
Oby Nagar ◽  
Suwaram Saini ◽  
Babita .

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) also called testicular feminizing syndrome is a rare X linked disorder of sexual differentiation caused by mutation in the androgen receptor (AR) gene, which is located on the X chromosome (Xq11-q12). In the reported cases, individuals with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) presented with a female appearance and normal breast development, absence of uterus and ovaries, bilateral undescended testis, and elevated testosterone levels. The syndrome is usually detected on evaluation of a phenotypic female with primary amenorrhea who presents for treatment of infertility. Here, we report 2 cases of CAIS in siblings 21 and 19 years of age who presented to us with primary amenorrhea. The elder sibling presented to us with primary amenorrhea, thelarche +, absent adrenarche, blind pouch of vagina, b/l inguinal masses suggestive of undescended testes, raised serum testosterone and absent uterus on USG. While the younger sibling also presented with similar findings but had history of b/l orchidectomy at the age of 14 years. Both the sisters were admitted in our unit and the elder sister underwent b/l orchidectomy and McIndoe’s vaginoplasty. While the younger sister underwent McIndoe’s vaginoplasty on the same day. Post-operative recovery was uneventful and they were given hormone replacement therapy (HRT). AIS is a rare X linked disease caused by mutation in the AR gene. which when diagnosed early can be treated appropriately. Precise diagnosis requires clinical, hormonal and molecular investigation and is of great importance for appropriate gender assignment and management in general. With timely gonadectomy, vaginoplasty or vaginal pouch deepening, hormone replacement and appropriate psychological support help the person live a healthy and almost normal life.  


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