Findings: Ultrasound evaluation of the testicles reveal normal sized, smoothly-contoured and homogeneously echo-textured testicles without evidence of masses or increased doppler flow. There are multiple small calcifications measuring approximately 1 mm diffusely throughout both testicles.
Diagnosis: Testicular microlithiasis.
Discussion: Testicular microlithiasis is an uncommon condition in which calcifications are present within the seminal vesicle tubules. These calcifications can occur in normal as well as cryptorchid testes and have been reported in Klinefelter's syndrome, male pseudohermaphroditism and testicular neoplasms. Sonography demonstrates innumerable small hyperechoic foci diffusely scattered throughout the testicular parenchyma which rarely shadow and occasionally show a commet tail appearance. Bilateral involvement may occur.
Initially felt to be a benign process, recent reports have shown a significant occurrence of co-existing primary testicular neoplasms and testicular microlithiasis. At present, routine ultrasound to follow-up the patients with testicular microlithiasis is indicated, probably at six month intervals.
References:
Dunnick NR. Textbook of Uroradiology, 2nd Edition.
Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore; 1997:498-499.
Rumack CM. Diagnostic Ultrasound, 2nd Edition.
Mosby, St. Louis; 1998:806-807.
Submitted by: