Testicular Microlithiasis in Children: Prevalence and Clinical Features

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  • 小児精巣微小石灰化症の発生頻度とその臨床的検討
  • ショウニセイソウ ビコイシ ハイカショウ ノ ハッセイ ヒンド ト ソノ リンショウテキ ケントウ

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Abstract

Purpose: Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is a relatively rare condition characterized by calcification within seminiferous tubules. Although TM is regarded as a potential risk of tumorigenesis and infertility in adults, little is known about it in the pediatric population. We conducted a retrospective investigation of the prevalence and clinical features of pediatric TM detected by ultrasound examination.<br>Methods: A total of 212 pediatric outpatients (mean age, 3.0 ± 2.9 years; range, 0–16 years) underwent testicular ultrasound examination for undescended testis, inguinal hernia, hydrocele testis, retractile testis, funicular hydrocele, testicular atrophy, epididymitis and testicular neoplasm at our clinic in 2012. TM was defined as the ultrasonographic confirmation of 5 or more calcific deposits in one visual field. The incidence of TM and its clinical features determined from clinical records were retrospectively examined.<br>Results: TM was found in 5 patients (2.4%), who were 3 of 91 patients with undescended testis (2 were treated and 1 was untreated), one of three patients with contralateral testis after orchiectomy for testicular atrophy, and one patient with epididymitis. Their mean age was 10.0 ± 3.4 (range, 8–16) years. Four of them had underlying conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, Down syndrome, acute leukemia, and severe motor and intellectual disabilities.<br>Conclusions: TM in pediatric patients might be a sign of impaired testicular function and indicative of a future risk of infertility or tumorigenesis. Regular and long-term careful monitoring is required for such patients.

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