A case of 45,X Turner syndrome with spontaneous ovulation proven by ultrasonography

Abstract

A well-documented case of non-mosaic Turner syndrome, with spontaneous pubertal development and ovulatory cycles is reported. Mosaicism could be excluded both by karyotyping of 172 metaphases of blood lymphocytes and fibroblasts, and by fluorescence in situ hybridization, using an X-centromeric probe, in 200 blood lymphocyte nuclei. This Turner syndrome patient underwent normal pubertal development, with spontaneous menarche at 14 years, followed by regular monthly periods. Hormonal measurements performed during puberty were consistent with the patient's pubertal development. At the age of 26 years the patient was referred for complete fertility evaluation. Detailed hormonal analyses were performed in a given cycle. They showed midluteal phase estradiol and progesterone values within the range corresponding to normal ovulation and corpus luteum function. In the same cycle, pelvic ultrasonography was also performed at days 13, 15 and 18. It demonstrated a spontaneous ovulation, with follicular rupture that occurred between days 15 and 18.

This is the first report of a spontaneous ovulation in Turner syndrome evidenced, not only by hormonal analysis, but also by ultrasonographic demonstration of follicular rupture.

Key Words:

• Menstrual Cycle
• Ovulation
• Turner Syndrome. Ultrasonography