HCG Stimulation Test in Prepubertal Boys with Cryptorchidism, in Bilateral Anorchia and in Male Pseudohermaphroditism

Abstract

Plasma testosterone concentration was determined before and after 5 days of daily injections of HCG (800–5000 U/day). The following prepubertal patients were studied: 13 boys with unilateral cryptorchidism, 16 boys with bilateral cryptorchidism, 5 boys with anorchia and 6 children with male pseudohermaphroditism. Mean±sd basal and post-HCG values in ng/100 ml were: unilateral cryptorchidism 25.8 ±23.8 and 431 ±96, bilateral cryptorchidism 42.5 ±28.1 and 329 ±172, anorchia 36.8 ±22.5 and 35.6 ±36.3, male pseudohermaphroditism 62.6 ±29.2 and 423 ±476. It is concluded that prepubertal patients are able to increase their plasma concentration of testosterone after an acute stimulation with HCG provided they have some testicular tissue. This test is useful in detecting the presence of intraabdominal testes before puberty.