Gonadal Dysgenesis

Abstract

Gonadal dysgenesis is being reported with increasing frequency during childhood, but in only four instances 1-3 have elevated levels of gonadotropins been reported in children before the age of 10 years. We wish to report a child with the typical findings of the Bonnevie-Ullrich-Turner form of gonadal dysgenesis in whom elevated urinary gonadotropins were found at the age of 9 years. Report of Case A 9-year-old white girl was first seen because of loss of hearing as a result of frequent attacks of otitis media. She had been born at full term, weighing 6 lb. 4 oz. (2840 gm.) and had been 19 in. (48.3 cm.) in length. The mother described the pregnancy as being difficult owing to severe nausea and vomiting. In the third month of pregnancy she had experienced a severe emotional shock when she had found her sister-in-law, who had committed suicide by hanging. At birth the