Elsevier

Fertility and Sterility

Volume 57, Issue 2, February 1992, Pages 346-349
Fertility and Sterility

Gynecology-endocrinology
Chimerism as the etiology of a 46,XX/46,XY fertile true hermaphrodite

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Objective

To determine the conceptional events resulting in a 46,XX/46,XY true hermaphrodite and to report the first pregnancy in a 46,XX/46,XY true hermaphrodite with an ovotestis.

Design

Chromosome studies were performed on patient lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Red cell antigens, human leukocyte antigens, and presence of Y-chromosome deoxyribonucleic acid were analyzed. Findings were compared with parental and sibling blood group data.

Setting

Genetics clinic and laboratories of a university hospital.

Results

These studies demonstrated that our patient is a chimera, with dual maternal and paternal contributions. In addition, despite the presence of an ovotestis, she conceived and delivered a child.

Conclusions

The mechanism for chimerism in this case could be fertilization of (1) the secondary oocyte and first polar body; (2) the ovum and first polar body; (3) the ovum and second polar body; or (4) fusion of two embryos.

Key Words

Chimera
ovotestis
pregnancy
true hermaphrodite

Cited by (0)

*

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Reprints requests: Marion S. Verp, M.D., University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637.

Department of Pathology.

§

Department of Pediatrics.

Present address: Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.