A newborn presents with ambiguous genitalia. Laboratory analysis reveals elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels. During which week of embryonic development did the pathophysiologic process leading to this condition most likely begin?

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Week 7. Sexual differentiation of the external genitalia begins around week 7 of embryonic development. In congenital adrenal hyperplasia (suggested by elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone), excessive androgen production during this critical period leads to virilization of female external genitalia, resulting in ambiguous genitalia.

A newborn presents with ambiguous genitalia. Laboratory analysis reveals elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels. During which week of embryonic development did the pathophysiologic process leading to this condition most likely begin?

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