Extirpation of sarcomatous ovaries in a pseudo-hermaphrodite / by Florian Krug.

  • Krug, Florian.
Date:
1891
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Extirpation of sarcomatous ovaries in a pseudo-hermaphrodite / by Florian Krug. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    except her long tresses. On closer examination and inquiry the following facts were revealed. There was a strong growth of hair on the face, whiskers and moustache. The patient shaved herself daily. The entire body, particularly the anterior portion of the thorax, also the limbs, and the lower abdominal region, especially along the linea alba, were thickly covered with strong hair varying in length from one-half to one inch. The mammary glands were poorly developed. The bones were massive, and in their form and development presented all the characteris¬ tics of the male type; this was particularly noticeable in the extremities and pelvic bones. The larynx was protuberant and as prominent as we observe it in the male. The abdomen was enormously distended by a large, solid tumor which extended into the pelvis on both sides. Palpa¬ tion determined the presence of a considerable quantity of ascitic fluid in the abdominal cavity. At the first casual glance the external genitals strikingly resembled those of the male : there appeared to be a penis fully two inches in length, which was erectile on manipu¬ lation ; immediately below, two folds closely resembling a longitudinally divided scrotum presented themselves. But the apparent penis was imperforate, and no testicles were con¬ tained within the integumental folds. Below this was de¬ tected a small entrance into a very narrow vagina, and on either side poorly developed labia. The urethra was situated directly below the penis-like clitoris. On introducing the finger into the very small vagina no rugae could be de¬ tected. Immediately behind the symphysis pubis a very small portio vaginalis could be determined, the pinhole os ad¬ mitting a fine sound for a distance of about two inches. The tumor could readily be felt on both sides of, and posterior to, the small uterus, and extended as low down as the ischial spines, but could not be clearly differentiated from the body of the uterus. A diagnosis of a probably malignant tumor of both ovaries in a pseudo-hermaphrodite was made. Urinary examination revealed granular casts and consider¬ able albumin. Physical examination of the chest revealed a