Late diagnosis of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome and transmission/carriers of the disease in a family with mutation c.2495G>T p.(Arg832Leu) in exon 7 of the androgen receptor gene: genetic, clinical and ethical aspects.

BACKGROUND: The complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is a rare genetic disorder causing insensitivity to androgens in a person with female phenotype and 46,XY karyotype due to a mutation in the androgen receptor gene located on chromosome X. These children are born with female external genitalia, and females are transmitters.

CASE REPORT: We illustrate an unexpected diagnosis of CAIS in two siblings during examination for short stature, and describe transmission/carriers in the family along with ethical aspects.

CONCLUSION: A genetic examination could have earlier revealed the transmission of c.2495G>Tp.(Arg832Leu) mutation in exon 7. Our experience highlights the possibility of prenatal testing for the management of pregnancy in a family with a history of CAIS. The implications of prenatal testing in relation to CAIS with clearer explication of ethical and clinical issues warrant further investigation.