Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) presenting as bilateral cryptorchidism and left-sided inguinal hernia

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Jul 23;17(7):e259784. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2024-259784.

Abstract

PMDS (persistent Müllerian duct syndrome) is a rare disorder of sex development characterised by the presence of Müllerian duct remnants in a phenotypically male individual with a 46XY karyotype. Radiological investigations play a crucial role in diagnosing and characterising this condition. Ultrasound and MRI are the modalities of choice. They help to non-invasively localise the gonads and Müllerian duct derivatives. Broadly, PMDS has two anatomical variants: male type and female type. The case report presented here does not fit into these classically described variants and can be called a variant of the female type. There is a risk of infertility and malignant transformation of undescended testis and Müllerian duct derivatives in cases of PMDS. Hence, management is focused on preventing these risks. Surgical intervention involves orchidopexy, removal of Müllerian duct derivatives and inguinal hernia repair.

Keywords: Endocrinology; General surgery; Paediatric Surgery; Radiology; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cryptorchidism* / complications
  • Cryptorchidism* / diagnosis
  • Cryptorchidism* / surgery
  • Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY* / complications
  • Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY* / diagnosis
  • Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY* / surgery
  • Hernia, Inguinal* / complications
  • Hernia, Inguinal* / diagnosis
  • Hernia, Inguinal* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mullerian Ducts / abnormalities
  • Mullerian Ducts / surgery
  • Orchiopexy / methods

Supplementary concepts

  • Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome