Testicular microlithiasis in male infertility: prevalence, diagnosis and treatment algorithm

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Abstract

Aim of study. To estimate testicular microlithiasis (TM) prevalence in men seeking help for infertility in reproductive medicine center, and generate an algorithm for TM management according to patient’s choice to perform testicular biopsy or not.

Materials and methods. We retrospectively reviewed charts of 143 consecutive adult male patients between 19 and 73 years (mean age 34.6 ± 7.9) seeking help for infertility in International Center for Reproductive Medicine. Gray-scale and color Doppler were used to calculate testicular volume and to study a spectrum of scrotal disorders including testicular microlithiasis.

Results. Testicular size varied from 0.5 to 33.3 ml (mean 12.3 ± 5.8 ml), testicular hypoplasia, varicocele, hydrocele and epididymal cysts were detected in 88 (61.5%), 35 (24.5%), 9 (6.3%) and 50 (35%) patients respectively. TM signs were identified in 12 (8.4%) men, including 5 (42%) cases of classic TM and 7 (58%) cases of limited TM; 5 (42%) men had bilateral TM. One 1 (8%) patient with bilateral ТМ had ultrasonic appearance of non-palpable testicular tumor, radical surgical treatment was performed. Patients with TM had smaller testicles, higher prevalence of azoospermia and testicular tumor (p = 0.002, 0.013 and 0.085 respectively). All patients with TM were informed about their risks to harbor testicular cancer and taught self-examination technique. Testicular biopsy was offered to all men with concomitant risk factors for testicular cancer development, however none of the patients agreed. We have consequently developed algorithm for TM management according to patient’s choice to perform or to avoid testicular biopsy.

Conclusion. ТМ is common in infertile men, scrotum ultrasound is indicated to detect it. The suggested algorithm for TM management is aimed towards early testicular cancer detection and successful treatment with fertility potential preservation.

About the authors

Igor A. Korneyev

Academician I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation; International Centre for Reproductive Medicine

Author for correspondence.
Email: iakorneyev@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-7347-1901
SPIN-code: 4780-2266
Scopus Author ID: 6506000592
https://www.ooorou.ru/ru/users/iakorneyev-yandex-ru.html

Doctor of Medical Science, Professor, Department of Urology; Medical Director

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Ruslan D. Zasseev

International Centre for Reproductive Medicine

Email: r.zasseev@gmail.com

Urologist

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Aram A. Aloyan

Academician I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation

Email: uroved@mail.ru

Student

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Anastasia A. Grinina

Academician I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation

Email: uroved@mail.ru

Student

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Pavel S. Kondrashkin

Academician I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation

Email: uroved@mail.ru

Student

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Vladimir A. Makeev

Academician I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation

Email: uroved@mail.ru

Student

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Valeriy E. Furin

Academician I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation

Email: uroved@mail.ru

Student

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

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Supplementary files

Supplementary Files
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2. Fig. 1. Ultrasonic scan of left testicle in patient with bilateral testicular microlithiasis with echo structural heterogeneity typical for testicular neoplasm

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3. Fig. 2. Algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of patients with testicular microlithasis

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4. Fig. 1. Ultrasonic scan of left testicle in patient with bilateral testicular microlithiasis with echo structural heterogeneity typical for testicular neoplasm

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5. Fig. 2. Algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of patients with testicular microlithasis

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Copyright (c) 2020 Korneyev I.A., Zasseev R.D., Aloyan A.A., Grinina A.A., Kondrashkin P.S., Makeev V.A., Furin V.E.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
 


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