FEMALE PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM

Contrary to what is observed in true hermaphroditism and in male pseud o-hermaphroditism, there is no erroneous transmission of the genetic g onadal differentiation programme in female pseudohermaphroditism. All that has happened is virilization of the urogenital sinus and external genitalia in a foetus exposed to exo- or endogenous androgens. In the absence of testis there is no production of anti-mullerian hormone, a nd for these reasons the uterus, the fallopian tubes and the vagina de velop normaly, whilst the wollfian ducts are regressed and there is no trace of male deep spermatic pathway. On the basis of recent acquisit ions in biochemistry, endocrinology and embryogenesis, the authors com pare the various degrees of virilization with the biochemical abnormal ities.