| Popis: |
A case of testicular microlithiasis that had been incidentally diagnosed by ultrasound in a patient undergoing evaluation for infertility is described and the literature briefly reviewed.The clinical, laboratory (routine blood and urine tests, hormone studies, spermiogram) and testicular ultrasound findings in a 28-year-old male who consulted for infertility are presented.Serum FSH and LH were raised and testosterone fell within the lower ranges. The spermiogram revealed azoospermia. US evaluation showed bilateral small hyperechoic foci without posterior acoustic shadowing, dispersed within a normal testicular parenchyma.Testicular microlithiasis is a rare entity which is usually discovered incidentally during testicular ultrasound evaluation for other conditions such as infertility. The underlying condition (calcium in the seminiferous duct lumen) has a specific ultrasonographic appearance and further studies are not required to make the diagnosis. The patho-genesis and the clinical implications of microlithiasis remain unclear, therefore any associated pathology, such as tumor, infertility, systemic diseases, or chromosomal disorders, must be ruled out. Regular US follow-up is advocated. |
