고환미석증 15례

Abstract

Purpose: This study was made to evaluate the clinical characteristics of testicular microlithiasis which shows small diffuse hyperechoic nonshadowing foci throughout both testes on sonography. Materials and Methods: Between July 1995 and May 1997, we had seen 15 patients with bilateral diffuse microlithiasis of the testes on the sonography. Medical records were reviewed with respect to age at presentation, associated diseases, and sonographic and pathologic characteristics. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 8 to 69 years. The testicular microlithiasis was coincidental to the presence of erectile dysfunction(n=5), epididymitis(n=5), varicocele(n=4), epididymal cyst(n=2), infertility(n=1), testicular teratoma(n=1) and diabetes mellitus(n=1). There were considerable variations in the numbers of echogenic foci on each sonography that examined the entire half of the scrotum(from 15 to more than 60 foci). The histological examinations were done in two patients and showed the lumina of seminiferous tubules filled with concentrically lamellated calcified concretions. Conclusions: The testicular microlithiasis showed a wide range of age at presentation and associated with diabetes mellitus and a variety of urological problems including erectile dysfunction, epididymitis, varicocele, epididymal cyst, infertility and testicular teratoma. The clinical relevance remains unclear at this time. Further additional cases as well as a long-term follow-up would be necessary to assess the association between testicular microlithiasis and these coincidental conditions. Key word : Testicular microlithiasis, Sonography