Testicular microlithiasis: Correlation with doppler sonography of testicular arteries and sperm function.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis and its correlation with Doppler parameters of testicular arteries and sperm function.


METHODS
Reports of 1,200 consecutive scrotal sonographic examinations performed at our hospital were reviewed. Patients diagnosed with testicular microlithiasis were recalled for detailed scrotal sonographic examination, including Doppler sonography and sperm function. The same examinations were performed in an age-matched control group and the findings compared.


RESULTS
Testicular microlithiasis was found in 64 cases (5.3%). Doppler sonography showed mean resistance index, Vmax, and Vmin of 61.1 ± 9.3%, 18.2 ± 4.7 cm/s, and 7.7 ± 2.3 cm/s, respectively, in the testicular microlithiasis group versus 62.4 ± 10.4%, 18.4 ± 5.7 cm/s, and 7.3 ± 2.4 cm/s, respectively, in the control group (p = 0.49, 0.84 and 0.35, respectively). Sperm function tests demonstrated sperm count, motility, and normal morphology (normal oval head) of 29.6 ± 20.4 × 10(6) /mL, 35.3 ± 16.2%, and 44.4 ± 12%, respectively, in patients with testicular microlithiasis versus 54.3 ± 22.4 × 10(6) /mL, 50.2% ± 14.4%, and 66.4 ± 11.6% in control subjects (p < 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of testicular microlithiasis of 5.3% in Jordanian patients is similar to what has been reported in the literature. Testicular microlithiasis does not have a significant effect on Doppler parameters of testicular arteries. The apparent impairment of sperm function in patients with testicular microlithiasis warrants further studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:474-479, 2016.
Diagnostic Radiology Department, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Street, Al-jubeiha, Amman, 11942, Jordan. wmahafza@hotmail.com.
Waleed S
WS
Mahafza
Diagnostic Radiology Department, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Street, Al-jubeiha, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
Mahmoud Y
MY
Alarini
Diagnostic Radiology Department, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Street, Al-jubeiha, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
Ahmed F
AF
Awadghanem
Urology Department, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Street, Al-jubeiha, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
Ghazi
G
Odwan
Diagnostic Radiology Department, Jordan University Hospital, Queen Rania Street, Al-jubeiha, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
Malik E
ME
Juweid
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002137:Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D055815:Young Adult
Doppler sonography; scrotal ultrasound; sperm function; testicular microlithiasis