A new classification for genital ambiguity and urogenital sinus anomalies.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new system for classifying genital ambiguity and urogenital sinus abnormalities. Prader's classification (which attempts to describe the degree of masculinization) has been used for decades, while the urogenital sinus has generally been described as simply high or low; neither classification fits the spectrum of anomalies, nor do they allow for outcome data research.


METHODS
An ideal description of genital ambiguity and urogenital sinus anomalies should include the degree of masculinization, phallic size, external genital appearance, and the true location of the vaginal confluence in relation to the bladder neck and the perineal meatus. We describe a new system to define these variables.


RESULTS
In the PVE classification developed, P represents stretched phallic length and width, V the true vaginal location according to the distance from the bladder neck to the vagina and the distance from the vagina to the perineal meatus, and E the external genital appearance or Prader number.


CONCLUSIONS
The PVE classification system aids in surgical planning and will be helpful in the analysis of surgical outcomes of genital ambiguity and urogenital anomalies.
Rink
Richard C
RC
James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. rrink@iupui.edu
Adams
Mark C
MC
Misseri
Rosalia
R
D002648:Child; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male