Anogenital distance and anti-Müllerian hormone combined improves the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

Hum Fertil (Camb). 2022 Apr;25(2):274-282. doi: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1795574. Epub 2020 Jul 27.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the combination of anogenital distance (AGD) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study included women diagnosed with PCOS and a control group who attended the Clinical University Hospital 'Virgen de la Arrixaca' in Murcia (Spain). Serum concentrations of AMH were measured and two AGD measurements were obtained: (i) from the anterior clitoral surface to the upper verge of the anus (AGDAC); and (ii) from the posterior fourchette to the upper verge of the anus (AGDAF). Data were assessed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. Women with PCOS (n = 126) had significantly larger AGDAC (80.5 ± 11.3 versus 76.0 ± 10.4 mm; p < 0.001) and higher AMH (7.2 ± 4.7 versus 3.1 ± 2.2; p < 0.001) compared to control women (n = 159). Women with serum AMH above 3.8 ng/mL (clinical cut-off used in PCOS) were 9.1 times more likely to have PCOS (95% CI: 5.1-16.2). The area under the ROC curve of combined model of AMH and AGDAC was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83-0.91). The combined model for predicting PCOS based on AMH and AGDAC has better diagnostic accuracy than that of AMH or AGDAC alone. This model could be useful for clinicians and improve diagnosis and clinical management of these women.

Keywords: Anogenital distance; Anti-Müllerian hormone; ROC curve; polycystic ovary syndrome; predictive model.

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / diagnosis

Substances

  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone