History
Before 20th century
An Italian anatomist, Luigi De Crecchio (1832-1894) provided the earliest known description of a case of probable CAH. I propose in this narrative that it is sometimes extremely difficult and even impossible to determine sex during life. In one of the anatomical theaters of the hospital..., there arrived toward the end of January a cadaver which in life was the body of a certain Joseph Marzo... The general physiognomy was decidedly male in all respects. There were no feminine curves to the body. There was a heavy beard. There was some delicacy of structure with muscles that were not very well developed... The distribution of pubic hair was typical of the male. Perhaps the lower extremities were somewhat delicate, resembling the female, and were covered with hair... The penis was curved posteriorly and measured 6 cm, or with stretching, 10 cm. The corona was 3 cm long and 8 cm in circumference. There was an ample prepuce. There was a first grade hypospadias... There were two folds of skin coming from the top of the penis and encircling it on either side. These were somewhat loose and resembled labia majora. De Crecchio then described the internal organs, which included a normal vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It was of the greatest importance to determine the habits, tendencies, passions, and general character of this individual...
Enzyme assays to measure the activity of ornithine aminotransferase can be performed from fibroblasts or lymphoblasts for confirmation or during the neonatal period when the results of biochemical testing is unclear. Molecular genetic testing is also an option. Treatment
To reduce the levels of ornithine in the blood, a diet restricted in arginine has been used. Some research has shown that when diet or other treatment is initiated early in life, the outcome can be improved. References


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