Chromosomal anomalies in cryptorchidism and hypospadias.

PURPOSE: We studied the incidence of chromosomal anomalies in patients with cryptorchidism and hypospadias to determine the value of routine karyotyping in this population.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Blood samples from 984 patients with cryptorchidism and/or hypospadias were studied for chromosome analysis.

RESULTS

Chromosomal anomalies were detected in 27 of the 916 patients (2.94%) with cryptorchidism and in 7 of the 100 (7%) with hypospadias. There were chromosomal aberrations in 13 of the 706 patients (1.84%) with isolated cryptorchidism (no additional congenital abnormalities) and in 14 of the 210 (6.67%) with cryptorchidism with associated anomalies. We identified normal karyotypes in 26 patients with isolated hypospadias, although 7 of the 74 (9.46%) with hypospadias and additional abnormalities had chromosomal aberrations.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to perform karyotyping in these patients, mainly when they show associated abnormalities other than cryptorchidism or hypospadias. However, cost-benefit analysis must be done in each case.