Cryptorchidism in Children with Zika-Related Microcephaly.
Rômulo A L de Vasconcelos1, Ricardo A A Ximenes2,1, Adriano A Calado1
1Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 12, 2020
Summary
Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) may cause genitourinary complications, including cryptorchidism (undescended testes). This study found a high rate of cryptorchidism in male infants with Zika-related microcephaly in Brazil.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Urology
Background:
- The genitourinary tract is a potential site for complications associated with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).
- Cryptorchidism, or undescended testes, is a common congenital anomaly with various potential causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidence of cryptorchidism in male infants with Zika-related microcephaly.
- To investigate the potential link between CZS and cryptorchidism.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 22 male children with Zika-related microcephaly.
- Clinical examination for cryptorchidism and palpation of testes location.
- Review of conventional risk factors for cryptorchidism.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 22 (36.4%) male children presented with cryptorchidism.
- In 14 cases of undescended testes, 11 (78.6%) were palpable in the inguinal region.
- Seven of the eight children with cryptorchidism had severe microcephaly; conventional risk factors were infrequent.
Conclusions:
- Cryptorchidism may be an additional manifestation of congenital Zika syndrome, particularly in infants with severe microcephaly.
- Gubernaculum disturbance or cremasteric abnormality are hypothesized mechanisms for cryptorchidism in CZS.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and long-term implications of genitourinary complications in CZS.
