Congenital anorchism: diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

Eight patients with congenital anorchism were examined and treated. Plasma LH, FSH, and testosterone concentrations and the saliva testosterone level were measured by RIA in 3 patients. The results showed a 2.75 times increase in LH level, a 1.66 times increase in FSH level, and hardly measurable serum and saliva testosterone amounts. A dynamic provocating test was applied in 4 patients by Pregnyl (2000 and 4000 IU) and the results showed absence of the gonads. The semen quality control manifested a low volume of ejaculate and aspermia. Scyntiscanning of 6 patients demonstrated no functional testicular parenchyma. Substitute androgen therapy in patients with diagnosed anorchism gave good results, which suggests that this treatment is appropriate and promising. Implantation of testiculo-prostheses by using silicon alloplastic material corrects the cosmetic defect and overcomes the physiological barrier caused by the biological inferiority complex.