Androgen insensitivity syndrome: a review

Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Mar-Apr;62(2):227-235. doi: 10.20945/2359-3997000000031.

Abstract

Androgenic insensitivity syndrome is the most common cause of disorders of sexual differentiation in 46,XY individuals. It results from alterations in the androgen receptor gene, leading to a frame of hormonal resistance, which may present clinically under 3 phenotypes: complete (CAIS), partial (PAIS) or mild (MAIS). The androgen receptor gene has 8 exons and 3 domains, and allelic variants in this gene occur in all domains and exons, regardless of phenotype, providing a poor genotype - phenotype correlation in this syndrome. Typically, laboratory diagnosis is made through elevated levels of LH and testosterone, with little or no virilization. Treatment depends on the phenotype and social sex of the individual. Open issues in the management of androgen insensitivity syndromes includes decisions on sex assignment, timing of gonadectomy, fertility, physcological outcomes and genetic counseling.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome / genetics*
  • Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome / therapy*
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phenotype

Grants and funding

this work was supported by: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo Grant 2013/02162-8, Núcleo de Estudos e Terapia Celular e Molecular (NETCEM) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico Grant 303002/2016-6 (to B.B.M.); Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo 2014/50137-5 (to SELA)