Novel X-chromosomal defect associated with abnormal ovarian function

Abstract

Premature ovarian failure (POF) may be idiopathic or may be associated with genetic or autoimmune disorders. It is well known that chromosomal defects can impair ovarian development and its function. It is estimated that X-chromosome abnormalities occur in 10-25% of women with abnormal ovarian function. Of these, the common chromosome defects reported are either true Turner's karyotype or its variants. We describe a novel X-chromosome aberration in a woman with primary amenorrhea. Cytogenetic and florescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed a short-arm deletion of X-chromosome as a Turner's variant [mos,45,XO/46,Xdel(X)(p11.1-p22.3)]. This interesting and rare case with unique X-chromosome defect reveals an additional mechanism for the cause of POF.