Abstract
The prostates of 8 neonates with cryptorchism and of 4 neonates and 1 infant with hypospadias have been examined and the findings have been compared with those in 127 controls.
The processes of proliferation of the prostatic tubule epithelium, squamous metaplasia and secretion were normal in 7 of the 8 cases with cryptorchism and in all 5 cases with hypospadias. These findings are in contrast to 4 other cases where cryptorchism was associated with congenital renal malformations and all of whom showed an abnormal appearance of the prostate (as described elsewhere).
The secretory activity of the prostate was markedly reduced in a neonate with cryptorchism who also had extreme testicular hypoplasia and marked underdevelopment of the penis, probably indicating a prenatal hormonal imbalance.
2 cases with hypospadias showed a very large and distended utricle and the possible significance of this has been discussed.
Associated congenital malformations, involving other than the genital system, were present in 7 of the 8 cryptorchid cases and in all 5 cases with hypospadias, as compared with 17 of the 127 controls.
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Zondek, L.H., Zondek, T. The prostate in the neonate and infant in cryptorchism and hypospadias. Z. Kinder-Heilk. 111, 299–306 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00438597
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00438597