Pseudodicentric Chromosome Originating from Autosomes 9 and 21 in a Male Patient with Oligozoospermia

Genetic factors are responsible for 15% of male infertility conditions. Numerical and structural chromosomal anomalies (related to the Y chromosome or to the autosomes) are validated genetic factors leading to spermatogenic quantitative defects with a frequency depending on the severity of the phenotype. The most frequent structural chromosomal rearrangements of autosomes are translocations and inversions, whereas dicentric chromosomes involving autosomes are rare. We report a man bearing a pseudodicentric chromosome (9;21) and presenting with oligozoospermia. Extensive cytogenetic analyses were necessary to determine the precise nature of the derivative chromosome and to discount the presence of interstitial telomeric sequences. Defects in spermatogenesis and abnormal segregation at meiosis for existing spermatozoa are proposed and are the likely cause of the reproductive phenotype of the patient.