Anorchidism (Anorchia): Causes, Diagnosis, and Management Anorchidism, commonly known as or "vanishing testis syndrome," is a rare congenital condition characterized by the absence of one (monorchidism) or both (bilateral anorchidism) testes at birth. While the external genitalia appear normal male, the testicular tissue is missing from the scrotum and inguinal canal.
In bilateral cases, if untreated, the patient will fail to undergo puberty due to lack of testosterone production. anorchidism
The most accepted theory is that the testes were present during the first trimester of gestation—allowing normal male sexual differentiation—but were destroyed or reabsorbed later due to vascular accident. The most accepted theory is that the testes
A failure in the development of the gubernaculum or vascular supply, leading to failure of the testis to survive descent. Symptoms and Clinical Presentation Measuring Hormone levels is critical
A common hypothesis is that the testis undergoes twisting (torsion) during fetal development, leading to ischemic necrosis (tissue death) and subsequent absorption of the tissue.
Measuring Hormone levels is critical. Low testosterone and significantly elevated gonadotropins (FSH and LH) in a child with non-palpable testes suggest vanishing testis syndrome.
This condition is distinct from (undescended testicle), where the testicle is present but not in the scrotum, although they are often clinically confused during initial examination. Types of Anorchidism