D Cortes1, J M Thorup, B L Beck. 1. Department of Paediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We investigated the number of germ cells per tubular cross section and testicular weight in cryptorchid fetuses, neonates and infants, and characterized additional abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our series comprised 35 fetuses and 58 boys with cryptorchidism, and 22 normal fetuses and 25 normal boys. Age ranged from 28 weeks of gestation to 3 years. RESULTS: Cryptorchid fetuses had reduced germ cells per tubular cross section values and lower testicular weights. Values were reduced in cryptorchid boys without a symptomatic inguinal hernia. If a hernia was present, values were normal in the first year of life but decreased at age 1 to 3 years. Malformations or dysplasia of the kidneys, ureter or T10 to S5 vertebrae were present in 34% of the cryptorchid fetuses and 18% of the cryptorchid boys without a symptomatic inguinal hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests a reduced number of germ cells in undescended testes from week 28 of gestation and germ cell hypoplasia as a consequence of continued postnatal undescended testicular position. Cryptorchidism may result from abnormal development of the caudal developmental field.
PURPOSE: We investigated the number of germ cells per tubular cross section and testicular weight in cryptorchid fetuses, neonates and infants, and characterized additional abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our series comprised 35 fetuses and 58 boys with cryptorchidism, and 22 normal fetuses and 25 normal boys. Age ranged from 28 weeks of gestation to 3 years. RESULTS: Cryptorchid fetuses had reduced germ cells per tubular cross section values and lower testicular weights. Values were reduced in cryptorchid boys without a symptomatic inguinal hernia. If a hernia was present, values were normal in the first year of life but decreased at age 1 to 3 years. Malformations or dysplasia of the kidneys, ureter or T10 to S5 vertebrae were present in 34% of the cryptorchid fetuses and 18% of the cryptorchid boys without a symptomatic inguinal hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests a reduced number of germ cells in undescended testes from week 28 of gestation and germ cell hypoplasia as a consequence of continued postnatal undescended testicular position. Cryptorchidism may result from abnormal development of the caudal developmental field.