Successful multiple pregnancy achieved after transfer of frozen embryos obtained via intracytoplasmic sperm injection with testicular sperm from an AZFc-deleted man.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of successful triplet pregnancy after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) from a man with AZFc deletion and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
A 38-year-old man affected by complete AZFc deletion and azoospermia.


METHODS
Spermiogram, Y-chromosome microdeletion screening, TESE for sperm recovery from testicular tissue on the same day as ICSI, transfer of frozen-thawed embryos, vaginal ultrasound examination.


METHODS
The Y chromosome genetic status of an azoospermic patient who underwent TESE and ICSI, the fertilization and pregnancy outcome.


RESULTS
The patient was found to be azoospermic, and the deletion screening showed complete AZFc deletion. After TESE, the recovered testicular sperm were selected for ICSI. Three good quality embryos were obtained and were frozen due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in the female partner. After transfer of the thawed embryos, a triplet pregnancy was diagnosed by vaginal ultrasonography at the seventh week of gestation. Two male and one female healthy babies were born.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report of a successful triplet pregnancy after the transfer of frozen-thawed embryos in a couple in whom the male partner was azoospermic and a carrier of complete AZFc deletion. This deletion should not adversely affect a man's TESE retrieval prognosis or the fertilization, cleavage, and implantation of embryos. The offspring were healthy, although the two sons inherited the AZFc deletion.
Gambera
Laura
L
Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Couple Sterility, Siena Hospital, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Governini
Laura
L
De Leo
Vincenzo
V
Luddi
Alice
A
Morgante
Giuseppe
G
Tallis
Valeria
V
Piomboni
Paola
P
D000328:Adult; D053713:Azoospermia / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001755:Blastocyst; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005615:Freezing; D017353:Gene Deletion; D056426:Genetic Loci; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000379:methods*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014310:Triplets
D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins