[Clinical, cytogenetic, endocrinological and histological studies in true hermaphrodites]

The clinical, cytogenetic, endocrinological and histologic features of nine mexican patients with true hermaphroditism are reported. Ages at admission ranged from 10 months to 27 years; in seven cases a male sex of rearing was documented, being 46,XX (n = 6) the most frequent karyotype. Basal levels of gonadotrophins, gonadal steroids, and the testosterone response to exogenous HCG varied depending upon age as well as with type and functional status of the gonadal tissue. However, ovarian tissue always preserved its function better than the testicular tissue did. In one of the patients who presented cyclic hematuria, spontaneous ovulation was documented by serum progesterone monitoring (progesterone = 4.3-11.0 ng/mL during luteal phase). Ovo-testis was the most common gonad present; in four cases bilateral ovo-testes were found. Internal genitalia varied depending on the existing gonad, although in all cases a uterus was found. These findings are in accordance with previous reports of individuals bearing true hermaphroditism in other populations.