Associated anomalies in undescended testes

Several chromosomal and nonchromosomal syndromes are associated with cryptorchidism. Primary dysgenetic hypogonadism probably is the major cause of cryptorchidism in these syndromes. Systematic microscopic investigations of testicular tissue are not available. A higher than normal incidence of urinary tract malformations in boys with cryptorchidism has been reported, but there is no agreement in the literature on whether all patients with cryptorchidism should be screened for abnormalities of the urinary tract. In infants with ambiguous genitalia, including hypospadias, very often the testes are not palpable. Extensive evaluation of such infants is a 'social emergency'; early assignment of the gender role of the infant is of great importance. The association of neurofacial midline defects with short stature and cryptorchidism should be recognized.