title: Histopathological features of testicular regression syndrome: relation to patient age and implications for management.
abstract: Testicular regression syndrome (TRS) represents a congenital condition in which no normal testicular tissue can be identified following exploration for a clinically impalpable testis. A spectrum of pathological findings may be present but there is little literature systematically examining these features. We searched a pediatric histopathology database to identify cases of TRS, and the histopathological findings were reviewed and pooled with those of all previously published smaller series. A total of 117 cases were identified during the period (1989-2004), median age 2 (range birth-12) years. In 52 (44%) a nodule was identified macroscopically, median maximum diameter 0.5 (range 0.1-2.0) cm. Microscopic hemosiderin-laden macrophages were present in 85 (73%), dystrophic calcification in 52 (44%), residual testicular tubules in 12 (10%), vas deferens in 71 (61%), and epididymal tissue in 39 (33%). The prevalence of hemosiderin laden macrophages and dystrophic calcification were significantly greater in cases < or =3 years (84% versus 64% and 55% versus 32%, respectively). But there was no significant difference in the frequency of other findings between the younger and older age groups; in particular, the presence of residual testicular tubules was similar (7% versus 13%, respectively). Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between identification of a macroscopically distinct nodule and presence of residual tubular structures, tubules being identified in 6 of the 65 cases in which no clearly identifiable nodule was seen macroscopically. The presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages and foci of dystrophic calcification showed a positive association. TRS is associated with specific histopathological features, the findings being consistent with changes secondary to intrauterine testicular torsion. Residual testicular tubules are found in 10% of cases regardless of the presence or absence of a macroscopically identifiable nodule.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mushtaq
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wingrove
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malone
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Sebire
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002114:Calcinosis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D016208:Databases, Factual; D006485:Hemosiderin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008264:Macrophages / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013737:Testis / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D006485:Hemosiderin