Successful multiple pregnancy achieved after transfer of frozen embryos obtained via intracytoplasmic sperm injection with testicular sperm from an AZFc-deleted man.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of successful triplet pregnancy after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) from a man with AZFc deletion and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S): A 38-year-old man affected by complete AZFc deletion and azoospermia.

INTERVENTION(S): Spermiogram, Y-chromosome microdeletion screening, TESE for sperm recovery from testicular tissue on the same day as ICSI, transfer of frozen-thawed embryos, vaginal ultrasound examination.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Y chromosome genetic status of an azoospermic patient who underwent TESE and ICSI, the fertilization and pregnancy outcome.

RESULT(S): The patient was found to be azoospermic, and the deletion screening showed complete AZFc deletion. After TESE, the recovered testicular sperm were selected for ICSI. Three good quality embryos were obtained and were frozen due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in the female partner. After transfer of the thawed embryos, a triplet pregnancy was diagnosed by vaginal ultrasonography at the seventh week of gestation. Two male and one female healthy babies were born.

CONCLUSION(S): This is the first report of a successful triplet pregnancy after the transfer of frozen-thawed embryos in a couple in whom the male partner was azoospermic and a carrier of complete AZFc deletion. This deletion should not adversely affect a man's TESE retrieval prognosis or the fertilization, cleavage, and implantation of embryos. The offspring were healthy, although the two sons inherited the AZFc deletion.