Imaging in intersex disorders.
BACKGROUND
Evaluation of the gonads and internal genital structures is an essential component for evaluation of patients presenting with ambiguous genitalia. Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the two preferred modalities.


OBJECTIVE
To compare US and MRI in patients with intersex for localization of gonads and internal genitalia.


METHODS
Ten patients with proven intersex disorders were included in the study. Findings from US and MRI were corroborated by those from surgery/laparoscopy.


RESULTS
For evaluation of the gonads, MRI was found to be marginally more sensitive than US. For internal genital structures, both modalities were found to be equally sensitive and specific with no false positive results.


CONCLUSIONS
US still remains the modality of choice for screening patients with intersex disorders. MRI is helpful in cases with equivocal US findings.
Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Krishna
K
Biswas
Anu
A
Kapoor
Asis K
AK
Karak
Alka
A
Kriplani
Devendra K
DK
Gupta
Kiran
K
Kucheria
Ariachery
A
Ammini
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography