Sonographic spectrum of scrotal abnormalities in infertile men.
OBJECTIVE
To use sonography to detect scrotal abnormalities in infertile men.


METHODS
Two hundred thirty-four infertile men, including 176 oligospermic (sperm count < 10 x 10(6)/ml), 58 azoospermic, and 150 normospermic men (control group) were evaluated prospectively for the presence of intra- and extratesticular abnormalities using high-frequency transducers and color Doppler imaging. Medical and surgical history, testicular volume, semen parameters, and hormonal levels were recorded.


RESULTS
A statistically significant increase in the prevalence of abnormal scrotal findings detected with sonography was observed in the study group compared with controls. These included varicocele in 35.5% versus 16% (p < 0.01), hydrocele in 16.7% versus 8.7% (p < 0.05), testicular microlithiasis in 9.8% versus 2% (p < 0.01), epididymal enlargement in 9% versus 2.6% (p < 0.05), and epididymal cyst in 7.7% versus 2% (p < 0.05). Testicular tumor was not seen in either group. A statistically significant decrease in testicular volume, sperm concentration, normal morphology, and forward motility of the sperm was noted in the study group compared with controls (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The various intra- and extratesticular abnormalities were demonstrated in infertile men. Sonography should be used routinely in the work-up of male infertility.
Qublan
Hussein S
HS
Royal Medical Services, Irbid-Aidoun, P.O. Box 97, Jordan 26211.
Al-Okoor
Khalil
K
Al-Ghoweri
Ahmad S
AS
Abu-Qamar
Adnan
A
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012611:Scrotum / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*