Testis Development and Fertility Potential in Boys with Klinefelter Syndrome

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2015 Dec;44(4):843-65. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2015.07.008. Epub 2015 Sep 28.

Abstract

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the leading genetic cause of primary hypogonadism and infertility in men. The clinical phenotype has expanded beyond the original description of infertility, small testes, and gynecomastia. Animal models, epidemiologic studies, and clinical research of male subjects with KS throughout the lifespan have allowed the better characterization of the variable phenotype of this condition. This review provides an overview on what is known of the epidemiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology of KS, followed by a more focused discussion of testicular development and the clinical management of hypogonadism and fertility in boys and men with KS.

Keywords: Klinefelter syndrome; Reproductive options; Sex chromosome aneuploidy; Spermatogenesis; Testicular function; Testis development; X-chromosome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / etiology*
  • Klinefelter Syndrome / complications*
  • Male
  • Testis / growth & development*