A case of bilateral vanishing testes syndrome

Ryu, Dong Soo; Kim, Geo Hwan; Kim, Kwang Sae

Abstract

The bilateral vanishing testes syndrome is a rare condition in which the vanishing testes were once present but atrophied due to compromise in blood supply. We present a case of bilateral vanishing testes syndrome which was confirmed with laparoscopy and exploratory laparotomy following hormonal therapy The diagnosis of vanishing testes syndrome can be established by following criteria without surgical exploration. These criteria include a normal male phenotype with XY karyotype, absence of Mullerian structures on rectal examination or ultrasonography, elevated gonadotropins(FSH alone or FSH and LH), and no significant increase in serum testosterone after hCG stimulation. However, patients who do not fit these criteria should have laparoscopy or exploration to look for occult gonadal tissue and spermatic vessels.