Testicular microlithiasis in patients with varicocele : a prospective study

Abstract EN

Objective : determine the prevalence and association of testicular microlithiasis in patients with varicocele.

Materials and Methods : around 278 patients with varicocele detected during scrotal ultrasonography at radiology department in Jordan University Hospital were included in the study.

Information concerning the presence, type and distribution of testicular microlithiasis, as well as the presence of a testicular mass or any other abnormality was recorded for all patients.

Seminal fluid samples for analysis were obtained from 130 patients, and the results were compared between patients with and without testicular microlithiasis.

Results : of the 278 patients with varicocele, 15 (5.4 %) had testicular microlithiasis ; 13 of them bilateral and 2 unilateral.

4(26.7 %) (had limited testicular microlithiasis and 11 (73.3 %) had classic testicular microlithiasis, 3 (20 %) had germ cell tumors, and one had a previous history of orchiopexy.

The mean sperm count and motility were 27.2 x 106/ ml, 24.5 % and 38.8 x 106 / ml, 33 % in patients with and without testicular microlithiasis respectively.

Conclusion : the frequency of testicular micro lithiasis in this study was higher than the reported rates, strongly suggesting a link between testicular micro lithiasis and varicocele.