Fetal Anogenital Distance Correlates With Hypospadias and Curvature Severity.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the association between fetal anogenital distance (AGD) and the severity of hypospadias and penile curvature.

Methods: A retrospective study of all cases referred for suspected external genital malformations, where fetal AGD measurements and postnatal clinical evaluations regarding the severity of hypospadias (none, anterior, middle, posterior) and penile curvature (none, ≤ 30°, > 30°) were available. The relationship between fetal AGD percentiles and postnatal findings was analyzed.

Results: The study group comprised 54 cases. Of these, hypospadias was diagnosed in 27 cases. For the subgroups without hypospadias, anterior hypospadias, middle hypospadias, and posterior hypospadias, the mean AGD percentiles were 46% ± SD 27, 32% ± 28, 4% ± 5, and 3% ± 3, respectively. The mean AGD significantly correlated with the severity of hypospadias (Rs = -0.672). For the subgroups with no curvature, curvature ≤ 30°, and curvature > 30°, the mean AGD percentiles were 43% ± SD 28, 22% ± 29, and 2% ± 1, respectively. The mean AGD significantly correlated with the severity of curvature (Rs = -0.673). The AGD percentile was the sole significant predictor of curvature severity. Maternal age, ethnicity, conception method, medication use, and birth weight exhibited no predictive value.

Conclusion: Fetal AGD is significantly associated with the severity of hypospadias and penile curvature, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool for the prenatal evaluation of male genital abnormalities.