Utricular Configuration in Hypospadias and Intersex

Abstract

To evaluate the incidence and significance of an enlarged prostatic utricle in hypospadiac patients without underlying intersex 44 patients with the meatus located in the perineum, penoscrotal junction or proximal 2/3 of the penis were evaluated with cystourethroscopy immediately before the operation. There was an abnormally enlarged utricle in 57% of the perineal, 10% of the penoscrotal and none of the penile hypospadiacs, for an over-all incidence of 14%. Concurrent analysis of a series of phenotypic male patients with hypospadias and intersex revealed a high incidence of enlarged utricle or the presence of a vagina masculinus. Utricular enlargement in itself does not indicate intersexuality but careful cystoscopic examination of its vault needs to be undertaken, searching for a cervix. An enlarged utricle can be a manifestation of delayed Muellerian duct regression or decreased androgenic stimulation of the urogenital sinus.