RECONSIDERING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MIXED GONADAL-DYSGENESIS AND TRUE HERMAPHRODITISM

Study Objective: To consider the similarities and differences between mixed gonadal dysgenesis and true hermaphrotidism. Design: A single pa tient meeting the strict definitional criteria of both mixed gonadal d ysgenesis and true hermaphroditism is presented. Setting: Reproductive Endocrinology Division, Medical College of Georgia. Participant: 45,X /46,XY child with sexual ambiguity. Interventions: Surgical assignment of female gender and removal of a gonadoblastoma. Conclusions: The pr esent patient demonstrates the confusion that may arise in the strict definitional categorization of intersex disorders. Until better diagno stic capabilities are developed, we propose excluding altogether indiv iduals with a 45,X cell line by definition from the diagnosis of true hermaphroditism.