intratesticular varicocele
Intratesticular varicocele is a rare entity, occurring in ~2% of symptomatic population.
Pathology
It is defined as dilated intratesticular veins seen in relation to the mediastinum testis and extending peripherally. It is usually seen in the presence of ipsilateral extratesticular varicocele.
Most of the reported cases of intratesticular varicocele occur on the left side as is the case with extratesticular varicocele. The testicular pain is attributed to the stretching of the tunica albuginea after active and passive congestion and dilatation of veins .
Risk factors
Increased incidence is noted in men who had undergone prepubertal orchidopexy for acquired undescended testis .
Radiographic features
Ultrasound with color Doppler is the investigation of choice for diagnosis of intratesticular varicoceles. The three commonly recognisable patterns of intratesticular varicocele on ultrasound studies are:
- tubular (most common)
- cystic
- mixed
Differential diagnosis
- ectasia of rete testis: usually resembles intratesticular varicocele
- the presence of color flow within the anechoic lesions confirms intratesticular varicocele
- testicular cysts: usually well-defined and anechoic with enhanced through transmission and an imperceptible wall
- presence of color flow in an intratesticular varicocele is the main differentiating feature
See also
Siehe auch:
und weiter:
Assoziationen und Differentialdiagnosen zu intratesticular varicocele:
