Ambiguous genitalia or hermaphroditism is a rare intersex condition. It affects about one newborn in 4500 births and is defined by mixed various proportions of male and female sexual characteristics [1] . According to the new nomenclature, we no longer speak of ambiguous genitalia but of disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD). This classification is based on the karyotype [2] . DSD’s abnormalities result from insufficient masculinization of a genetically male embryo (46 XY, DSD) or excessive virilization of a female embryo (46 XX, DSD), in which several genetic and hormonal factors are involved [3] .

Radiological imaging plays an important role in demonstrating genital anatomy [4] . We report a case of true hermaphroditism in a 15-year-old girl to illustrate the role of radiological imaging in diagnosis of this rare condition, as well as issue of its management in our context.

A 15-year-old patient, with history of scrotal hernia repaired at 4 months age, was referred to the radiology department of Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital for imaging further investigation of an abnormal of sexual differentiation. Clinically, there was regular menses per month for about 3 years. Physical examination revealed male and female external genitalia (Figure 1). However, there was no vulva visible at the perineum and hypospadias was noted. Radiological evaluation performed consisted of an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound scan, scrotal ultrasound scan and genitography. Pelvic ultrasound scan showed a ~3.7 cm length retro-vesical tubular structure likely a rudimentary uterus. In the right ovarian lodge, there was a ~14 × 8 mm ovarian tissue with normal stoma and follicles. The left ovary was not demonstrated (Figure 2).

The bladder has a normal outline. No calculus or mass noted. There was no evidence of retrovesical prostatic tissue. The liver, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, and both kidneys showed normal size and echopattern. Scrotal ultrasound scan demonstrated a single testicle with normal epididymal cap and measured 44 mm × 28 mm × 25 mm (Figure 3). Its echopattern was heterogeneous due to presence of calcified, cystic and fibrous areas reflecting a fairly severe dysplasia. Scrotal layers were not thickened and there was no hydrocele. Corpora cavernosa appeared homogeneous, without any recent or fibrous lesions. Genitogram was performed to better evaluate the first sonographic findings on the internal genitalia. After grooming, disinfection of the meatus (hypospadias) and perineum, we catheterized urethra till bladder with a No.8 rigid catheter bringing back urine (Figure 4). We set up another rectal balloon catheter. Contrast medium flowed freely, bladder and rectum were outlined. There were a significant inter vesico-rectal space indicating presence of a uterus.

A third rigid catheter was inserted in the vagina and after several attempts, we were able to outline uterus with contrast medium. It appeared tubular and small. Struggling, we demonstrated a large, straight right fallopian tube but there were no ampullary folds or intraperitoneal spillage (Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b)). This imaging assessment confirmed the diagnosis of true hermaphroditism. Even before the result of karyotype tests, which was 46 XX, the patient and his parents had chosen the option of keeping male characters. The patient underwent bilateral mastectomy (Figure 5) first and then hysterectomy as well as right salpingectomy. Postoperative recoveries were uneventful and good psychological tolerance was observed both in patient and his close contacts.

DDS are rare diseases with a prevalence of 0.1% to 2% according to some authors and 2.3% in a recent study conducted in Mali [3] [4] . They lead a discordance between the sex itself (“phenotypic”) and the genetic sex (“genotype”).

These abnormalities of sexual development remain complex and rare and their management is based on development of an efficient therapeutic strategy [4] . This management requires an accurate diagnosis and involvement of a trained multidisciplinary team [4] [5] . Imaging examinations, including ultrasound and MRI, are considered as key modalities in diagnosis because they provide detailed anatomical information. In our case, ultrasound was the first choice imaging method used to explore the internal genitalia with demonstration of a rudimentary uterus, right ovary and a single testicle.

It is a non-invasive, inexpensive, easily reproducible and relatively accessible technique. Some authors found that it was sensitive and specific in 96% of cases in morphological screening of internal genitalia [4] [5] . Abdominal ultrasound scan ruled out intra or retroperitoneal pathological mass that might suggest adrenal hyperplasia, a leading cause of ambiguous genitalia. In recent decades, genitography has become more and more important in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of these conditions. It enables excellent viewing of gonads especially when they are small or are not palpable. In our case genitogram gave anatomical evaluation and identification of internal genital organs. Thus a small tubular uterus and a large straight smooth right tube, without ampullary folds or peritoneal spillage were demonstrated by contrast medium outlining. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been performed for our patient. Some authors revealed that it has better sensitivity (which could reach 100%) for gonadal exploration compared to ultrasound.

It would be a very useful imaging modality for difficult cases of hermaphroditism, especially in structural analysis of testicular tissues [5] . The choice of sex is of prime importance in care of true hermaphroditism. It must be based on the functional potential of the external genitalia and gonads according to radiological findings. Advancement in imaging modalities, hormone panel, molecular biology and surgical techniques have made a significant contribution to improved diagnosis, which has become more accurate and faster, as well as to the management of children challenging with sexual ambiguity. There is controversy over the decision to choose sex. From the surgical point of view, it is easier to rebuild the external genitalia in order to obtain a female sex. A therapeutic stimulation test with androgens is essential. There are also controversies regarding the age of surgery. The decision is collegial and relies on external genitalia anatomy and reconstruction possibilities, internal genital anatomy and functional abilities.

Sex assignment should be made quickly; surgical treatment must be early and if possible in one time. Diagnosis and treatment must begin at birth to avoid gender identity disturbances. Delay management should consider risk of malignancy and fertility impairment. In our case, the right testicle was dysplastic, thus raising the risk of long-term degeneration. Authors have noted that the incidence of gonad tumors is approximately 10% in true 46, XY hermaphrodites and 4% in true hermaphrodites 46, XX [6] . In our context, the cultural beliefs that stigmatize these patients heavily influence the care that is already made difficult by multiple deficiencies. As recommended by Mure and Sirol, sex assignment of children carrying DDS should be done within a multi-disciplinary team including endocrinologists, surgeons, psychologists, cytogeneticists, molecular biologists, hormonal biochemists, obstetricians and urologist [7] .

Genitalia ultrasound scan remains the first-line assessment in investigation of disorders of sexual differentiation in our context. It is most often supplemented by fluoroscopic genitography. Our observation has just reminded us of the good practices of these exams. The accurate anatomical assessment performed by medical imaging, enables important therapeutic options. Sex assignment requires multidisciplinary decision and parental will.

Moussa, Z.S., Ousseini, D., Boubakar, O., Madina, N.A., Abel, B.Y. and Rabiou, C. (2018) Contribution of the Medical Imaging in Care of Ambiguous Genitalia. Open Journal of Radiology, 8, 125-130. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojrad.2018.82014