Does testicular microlithiasis matter? A review.
Radiologists who regularly undertake ultrasound of the testes will occasionally encounter testicular microlithiasis (TM). Currently, the management of a patient with TM is a conundrum for clinician and radiologist alike: there are reported associations between TM and primary testicular malignancy and infertility. However, there is no consensus on the appropriate follow-up (clinical, radiological or otherwise) of patients with TM. Furthermore, it is not clear whether the incidence of de novotumours is increased in patients with pre-existing TM. Similarly, there is limited evidence to support the association with infertility. Not surprisingly, algorithms for the follow-up of patients with TM on ultrasound have been difficult to formulate.
Miller
F N A C
FN
Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK. fiona_miller@doctors.org.uk
Sidhu
P S
PS
D002137:Calculi / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D020347:Lithiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000209:etiology; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography