[Testicular microlithiasis: a report of 2 cases and review of the literature].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical significance and diagnosis of testicular microlithiasis (TM).


METHODS
We reported 2 cases of TM, reviewed the relevant published literature and analyzed the clinical significance of the condition.


RESULTS
Ultrasonographic (US) scanning of the scrotal revealed multiple small calcifications diffusely scattered throughout the testicular parenchyma with rare pinpoint-like 1-2 mm shadows but without acoustic ones, which were diagnosed by scrotal sonography as right limited TM and classic TM accompanied with left varicocele and epididymitis. The testicular tumor markers of AFP, hCG, LDH and testosterone were shown to be normal, so that no intervention was performed for TM. During the 6-8 months follow-up, no abnormality was found in physical examinations and testicular tumor markers, and no characteristic additive change was revealed by testicular ultrasound.


CONCLUSIONS
TM is a rare, usually asymptomatic and non-progressive abnormality, usually detected incidentally during the ultrasound examination of the testis. Though it is still controversial whether TM should be regarded as a premalignant lesion or not, regular follow-up and routine ultrasound examination are quite necessary for TM patients.
Zhang
Qian
Q
Department of Urology, Fuxing Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing 100038, China. rrpyzq@yahoo.com.cn
Wu
Zong-shan
ZS
Zhang
Dan
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002137:Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012611:Scrotum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography