Mondo Description Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO syndrome) is a cause of male infertility. In SCO syndrome, only Sertoli cells (cells that nurture the immature sperm) line the seminiferous tubules (tubes inside the testicles where sperm develop). Therefore, there are not any sperm cells present in the seminiferous tubules. Men typically learn they are affected between ages 20-40 years when being evaluated for infertility and are found to have no sperm production (azoospermia). Other signs and symptoms are rare, but in some cases there could be an underlying cause of SCO syndrome that causes other symptoms, such as Klinefelter syndrome. Most cases of SCO syndrome are idiopathic (of unknown cause), but causes may include deletions of genetic information on regions of the Y-chromosome, especially on the azoospermia factor (AZF) region of Y-chromosome. Other causes include exposure to chemicals or toxins, history of radiation therapy, and history of severe trauma. Diagnosis of SCO syndrome is confirmed with testicular biopsy. Although there is currently no effective treatment, assisted reproductive technology may assist some men with SCO syndrome in being able to have children.
Disease Ontology Description A male infertility disease characterized by male sterility, has_material_basis_in azospermia without abnormal sexual development.
Counts of Target Development Levels for diseases known to be associated with this disease. If the disease has a valid DOID, targets known to be associated with all child diseases are aggregated. Click "Explore Associated Targets" to view more facets and details for the target list.
This disease has been annotated by GARD as a rare disease.
Description from Mondo Disease Ontology.
Description from Disease Ontology
DataSources which have contributed target associations to this disease, and the identifiers by which the disease is referenced.
DOID:0050457
EFO:1001422
GARD:0008406
MESH:D054331
SCTID:73465006
MONDO:0010595
High level summary of knowledge for a disease, including descriptions and datasource references.