A case of female epispadias

Fertil Steril. 2008 Nov;90(5):2017.e1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.12.055. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Abstract

Objective: To present a case of unrecognized female epispadias.

Design: Case report.

Setting: University-based reproductive endocrinology and fertility clinic.

Patient(s): A 16-year-old girl with epispadias, history of mild urinary incontinence, auditory neuropathy, and functional hyperandrogenism.

Intervention(s): None.

Main outcome measure(s): Peripheral blood array-based comparative genomic hybridization.

Result(s): The patient was referred for evaluation of excessive weight gain, secondary amenorrhea, and abnormal external genitalia. Examination under anesthesia revealed bilateral labia minora hypertrophy, bifid clitoris, and a patulous urethra, consistent with female epispadias. Hormonal evaluation showed functional hyperandrogenism, and peripheral blood array-based comparative genomic hybridization showed no chromosomal deletions or duplications.

Conclusion(s): Female epispadias is a rare abnormality, not commonly recognized by most practitioners. The diagnosis is supported by a history of urinary incontinence and physical findings of bifid clitoris and patulous urethra. The condition can have serious physical and psychological consequences leading to a gross disruption of social function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amenorrhea / etiology
  • Epispadias / complications
  • Epispadias / diagnosis*
  • Epispadias / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism / etiology
  • Hypertrophy
  • Urethra / abnormalities*
  • Urethra / surgery
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology
  • Vulva / abnormalities*
  • Vulva / surgery
  • Weight Gain