ANDROGEN INSENSITIVITY SYNDROME: A FAMILY CASE SERIES

Jayne AX Ong; Janet Y H Hong; Nalini M. Selveindran

doi:10.15605/jafes.040.S1.253

Authors

Jayne AX Ong
Janet Y H Hong
Nalini M. Selveindran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.040.S1.253

Keywords:

androgen insensitivity syndrome, ambiguous genitalia, genetic counselling

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the androgen receptor. In Malaysia, only four cases of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) have been reported.

CASE
We present three biological cousins born to two sisters from the same maternal lineage, presenting with varying degrees of genitalia ambiguity.

Cousin A. A 1-year-and-5-month-old child presented with ambiguous genitalia at 1 month old. Physical examination revealed a 3 cm genital tubercle, penoscrotal hypospadias and fused symmetrical scrotal labia, with both testes retractile in the inguinoscrotal region. Antimüllerian hormone level was elevated, and an HCG stimulation test showed an increase in testosterone response. Karyotyping confirmed a 46, XY karyotype and whole exome sequencing identified a hemizygous pathogenic variant in the AR gene: p. Arg841His. Gender was assigned as male.

Cousin B and C. Two siblings with 46, XY karyotype and ambiguous genitalia presented at different points following birth.

Sibling 1. The elder sibling, aged 4 years and 2 months, presented with ambiguous genitalia and a left inguinal hernia at 1 month old. Physical examination revealed a single opening, incomplete labioscrotal fusion and palpable gonads bilaterally at the inguinal region. Laboratory tests showed high testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, with absent uterus and ovaries.

Sibling 2. The younger sibling, aged 2 years and 6 months had ambiguous genitalia with bilateral palpable gonads in the inguinal region at birth. Despite having a male genotype, they exhibited predominantly female phenotypic traits and were raised as females. The family declined genetic testing due to financial constraints.

CONCLUSION
Three cousins with varying presentations of the AIS highlight the phenotypic diversity of the condition and the challenges in sex assignment and management, underscoring the need for genetic counselling and multidisciplinary care.