Diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores del epidídimo / Diagnosis and treatment of epididymal tumors

Los tumores del epidídimo son infrecuentes y la mayoría benignos, por lo que muchos no se informan en la literatura médica. En ocasiones, llegar al diagnóstico histológico de certeza, implica realizar múltiples exámenes al paciente y un reto al desempeño del médico. En el presente trabajo se hace un recuento anatómo-fisiológico del epidídimo, así como la actualización del tema de los tumores de dicho órgano, en lo referente al diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica, en las bases de datos de Hinari, PubMed, MEDLINE y en el motor de búsquedas de Google, en el periodo de 2009 a 2013. Se emplearon los términos del MeSH: tumores paratesticulares, tumores intraescrotales y tumores del epidídimo, en idioma español e inglés. También se revisaron libros de consulta y revistas especializadas. Se confirma el valor del interrogatorio y del examen físico minucioso, para establecer el diagnóstico topográfico y diferencial de estos tumores. Aunque el ultrasonido es el estudio imagenológico de elección para su valoración inicial, muchas veces no es concluyente, por lo que resulta necesario obtener imágenes por resonancia magnética nuclear para lograr información adicional. Cuando el cuadro clínico y los hallazgos de las imágenes suponen un tumor benigno, la citología aspirativa con aguja fina es una opción fiable para clasificarlos en benignos o malignos. No obstante, si esta no es definitoria, se recurre a la biopsia por congelación transoperatoria, la cual se obtiene mediante inguinotomía, y así se evita orquiectomías radicales innecesarias. Los tratamientos adyuvantes, para los tumores malignos, son muy particularizados según la edad del paciente, el tipo histológico y el estadio.

Epididymus tumors are rare and the majority of them are benign, so there is not much information about them in the medical literature. Reaching the final histological diagnosis implies multiple testing and represents a challenge for the physician's performance. The present paper made an anatomical and physiological review of the epididymus as well as provided updating on the tumors affecting this organ in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Literature search was made in databases Hinari, PubMed, Medline and in Goggle from 2009 to 2013. The MeSH terms were paratesticular tumors, intrascrotal tumors and epididymal tumors in Spanish and English. Reference books and specialized journals were also reviewed. This paper confirmed the value of questioning and of the detailed physical exam in order to set the topographic and differential diagnosis of these tumors. Although ultrasound is the imaging study of choice for initial assessment, it is often inconclusive; therefore, it is necessary to obtain nuclear magnetic resonance images so as to have additional information. When the clinical picture and the findings from images may indicate a benign tumor, then fine needle aspiration cytology is a reliable option to make the final classification. Nevertheless, if this technique is not conclusive, then there is the biopsy through transoperative freezing, which is taken with inguinotomy, thus avoiding unnecessary radical orchiectomies. The adjuvant treatments for malignant tumors are very customized since they depend on the patient's age, the histological type and the tumor staging.

Infecciones bacterianas del tracto reproductivo masculino y su papel en la fertilidad / Bacterial infections of the male reproductive tract and their role in fertility

Antecedentes: El espermatozoide es una célula altamente especializada encargada de llevar el material genético paterno hasta el tracto reproductivo femenino en búsqueda del oocito, no obstante durante su desplazamiento puede interactuar con sustancias, otras células e incluso microorganismos que puede transportar desencadenando procesos infecciosos que alteran el éxito reproductivo. Objetivo: Describir las bacterias involucradas en la alteración de la función reproductiva y sus efectos sobre calidad espermática, así como la capacidad de los espermatozoides para transportar infecciones y diseminarlas al tracto reproductivo femenino. Resultados: Las infecciones bacterianas que afectan el tracto reproductivo masculino se clasifican en infecciones de transmisión sexual, del tracto urinario y las asociadas a la microbiota bacteriana, donde están implicadas una gran variedad de agentes etiológicos como Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureoplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Escherichia coli y los Staphyloccoccus coagulasa negativos. Aún es controversial el efecto de estos gérmenes sobre los parámetros seminales así como la presencia de microbiota en el semen; su diagnóstico depende de la calidad de la muestra, de la sensibilidad de la técnica de detección y de los factores de riesgo que presente el individuo. Conclusión: Los procesos inflamatorios e infecciosos en el trato reproductivo masculino influyen en la fertilidad, por lo que se requiere profundizar en el estudio de estos procesos, establecer más y mejores métodos diagnósticos y pautas para el autocuidado que disminuyan la propagación de estos agentes patógenos.

Introduction: Spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell responsible for carrying the paternal genetic material toward the oocyte. During its journey in the female reproductive tract, the sperm cell interacts with substances, cells and also microorganisms that can be transported, thus triggering infectious processes that could alter reproductive success. Objective: Describe the species of bacteria involved in the alteration of sperm cells reproductive function and their effect on the sperm quality. In addition, evaluate the ability of the sperm cell to carry infections and disseminate them in the female reproductive tract. Results: Bacterial infections that affect the male reproductive tract are classified as sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, and infections associated with bacterial microbiome. Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureoplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Escherichia coli and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus are the main etiologic agents of these infections. The presence of bacteria in semen and their effect of in semen parameters are still controversial. To probe that bacteria are present in semen depends on the quality of the sample, the sensitivity and specificity of the detection technique and the patient risk factors. Conclusion: Inflammatory and infectious processes in the male reproductive treatment affect fertility; therefore, further study of the role of thoseprocesses, establishment of more and better diagnostic methods and guidelines for self-care to decrease the spread of these pathogens will be necessary.

Pruritic porokeratotic peno-scrotal plaques: Porokeratosis or porokeratotic epidermal reaction pattern? A report of 10 cases.

Background: Porokeratosis restricted to the genital region is rare with few cases described in the literature. Cases of porokeratosis restricted to the genital region are similar to plaque type of porokeratosis of Mibelli seen elsewhere on the body. We encountered 10 young males with pruritic plaques restricted to the peno-scrotal region, which clinically were not diagnosed as porokeratosis, but on biopsy revealed multiple cornoid lamellae, some of which were seen to arise from eccrine and follicular structures. Aims: The aim of this study is to study lesions restricted to the peno-scrotal region in males, which on biopsy showed cornoid lamellae suggestive of porokeratosis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of available data of patients who were rendered a histological diagnosis of genital porokeratosis. The database consisted of biopsies received in private consultation by the first author in the period January 2000 to March 2013. Results: Ten young men, 8 in their third decade, presented with pruritic plaques restricted to the peno-scrotal region of variable duration. The lesions were well-demarcated on the penis, but ill-defined with a rough granular surface on the scrotum. None of patients were diagnosed clinically as porokeratosis. The lesions were poorly responsive to topical steroid/antifungal treatment, but two patients showed partial improvement with oral isotretinoin. Biopsy in nine patients revealed multiple cornoid lamellae involving epidermis (6) and adnexal structures (3). One patient had a single cornoid lamella. Conclusion: The clinical and histological presentation of these patients is different from typical genital porokeratosis described in the literature and we postulate that these patients have an unusual porokeratotic reaction pattern of the epidermis with multiple cornoid lamellae.

Genital ulcer development in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia treated with all-trans retinoic acid: a case series

We report here four cases of genital ulcers that developed after the administration of all-trans retinoic acid [ATRA] for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia [APL]. Between October 2007 and March 2010, three males and one female [age range 19-35 years] were identified to have genital ulcers after being prescribed all-trans retinoic acid [ATRA] as a part of chemotherapy for APL. This is the first series of cases describing genital ulcers, as a unique and rare complication of ATRA used for treatment of APL in these patients, with no other cause identified. Following temporary cessation of ATRA for a few days in these three cases, improvement of the ulcers was noted

Verrugas anogenitales y sospecha de abuso sexual infantojuvenil / Anogenital warts and suspicion of child sexual abuse

El presente trabajo se refiere a las lesiones por verrugas anogenitales producidas por el virus de papiloma humano (HPV) en niños. Describe el diagnóstico, la epidemiología, los modos de transmisión, los diagnósticos diferenciales y su relación con el cáncer a largo plazo; también, la presencia de verrugas anogenitales como indicador de abuso sexual infantojuvenil. Finalmente, incluye sugerencias para el pediatra en el manejo de estos pacientes y sus familias.

This article deals with anogenital warts (AGW) injuries caused by human papiloma virus (HPV) in children. Diagnosis, epidemiology, modes of transmission, differential diagnosis, relationship between AGW and cancer are descript. Also, it remarks the presence of AGW as indicator of child sexual abuse. Finally, it includes suggestions for the management of patients and their families by the paediatrician.

Paracoccidioidomycosis of external genitalia: report of six new cases and review of the literature / Paracoccidioidomicose de localização genital externa: relato de seis novos casos e revisão da literatura

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis of dermatological interest due to the frequency of cutaneous and mucosal lesions. The involvement of the external genitalia is extremely rare and few cases have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of external genitalia lesions in paracoccidioidomycosis patients, identify clinical characteristics and compare with what is observed in the specific literature. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study, with focus on paracoccidioiodomycosis patients with external genitalia lesions. The demographic and clinical aspects of cases were compared with what has been reported so far on LILACS, SciELO e MEDLINE data bases. RESULTS: Data of 483 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis were studied in a 42-year period. Six (1.2%) patients showed specific lesions on external genitalia. Five patients were male with mean age of 47.2 years and all of them presented with the chronic multifocal clinical form. Only one, a 15-year-old female patient was observed who showed a subacute clinical form, juvenile type. CONCLUSION: Compromise of the genitourinary tract among paracoccidioidomycosis patients is rare and even rarer when only the external genitalia are considered. As observed in the classical picture of paracoccidioidomycosis patients, the male gender and the chronic multifocal clinical form prevailed in the present study.

FUNDAMENTOS: Paracoccidioidomicose é micose sistêmica de interesse dermatológico pela freqüência de lesões tegumentares. Sua localização em genitália externa é extremamente rara e pouco descrita. OBJETIVOS: estudar a prevalência de lesões de paracoccidioidomicose de localização genital, identificar suas características clínicas e compará-las com a literatura específica. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo, transversal, de série de casos, com inclusão de casos com lesões específicas de paracoccidioidomicose de localização genital externa, estudo das características demográficas e clínicas dos casos, confrontados com dados de revisão da literatura nas bases LILACS, SciELO e MEDLINE. RESULTADOS: foram revisados de 483 pacientes de paracoccidioidomicose diagnosticados no período de 42 anos. Seis (1,2%) pacientes apresentavam lesão específica de genitália externa. Cinco eram do sexo masculino com idade média de 47,2 anos e todos com a forma crônica multifocal da doença, O único caso do sexo feminino, de 15 anos de idade, apresentava a forma subaguda, tipo juvenil. CONCLUSÕES: o comprometimento do trato geniturinário na paracoccidioidomicose é raro e mais ainda quando se considera apenas as localizações de genitália externa. Como na paracoccidioidomicose clássica, o sexo masculino e a forma crônica da doença predominaram na amostragem estudada.

Scrotal hematoma as a sign of adrenal hemorrhage in newborns / Hematoma escrotal como um sinal de hemorragia da adrenal no recém-nascido

CONTEXT: Bluish discoloration and swelling of the scrotum in newborns can arise from a number of diseases, including torsion of the testes, orchitis, scrotal or testicular edema, hydrocele, inguinal hernia, meconium peritonitis, hematocele, testicular tumor and traumatic hematoma. Forty-two cases of scrotal abnormalities as signs of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage were found in the literature. CASE REPORT: We present a case of scrotal hematoma due to adrenal hemorrhage in a newborn. Conservative treatment with clinical follow-up was adopted, with complete resolution within 10 days. The possible differential diagnoses are reviewed and discussed.

CONTEXTO: Edema e coloração azulada do escroto do recém-nascido podem sugerir uma série de doenças, incluindo torção dos testículos, orquite, edema escrotal e testicular, hidrocele, hérnia inguinal, peritonite meconial, hematocele, tumor testicular e hematoma traumático. Quarenta e dois casos de alterações escrotais como sinal de hemorragia da glândula adrenal foram encontrados na literatura. RELATO DE CASO: Apresentamos um caso de hematoma escrotal devido a hemorragia da glândula adrenal em um recém-nascido. O tratamento adotado foi conservador, com acompanhamento clínico, com resolução completa em 10 dias. Os possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais são revisados e discutidos.

Membrana e fusão penescrotal / Webbed pênis and penoscrotal fusion

Membrana penescrotal ou fusão penescrotal na forma isolada é uma rara anomalia de etiologia obscura, na qual a pele do pênis e o escroto estão fundidos. A fusão pode ser completa, com total ausência de angulação do pênis e escroto, ou incompleta, com uma membrana de extensão variável ligando o pênis proximal ao escroto. O objetivo da correção cirúrgica é separar o pênis do escroto, o que poderá ser realizado facilmente, utilizando-se plástica com retalhos em ?Z?, plásticas com retalhos ?V-Y?, ou incisão transversal e sutura vertical. Os resultados com a correção precoce são mais gratificantes e auxiliam a prevenir vários problemas psíquicos.

Feo-hifomicose subcutânea por Exophiala jeanselmei localizada na bolsa escrotal: relato de caso / Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis on the scrotum caused by Exophiala jeanselmei: case report

A feo-hifomicose subcutânea é uma doença causada por fungos demáceos que acomete principalmente indivíduos imunocomprometidos e geralmente cursa com lesões localizadas nos membros inferiores. Os autores relatam um caso de feo-hifomicose subcutânea em um paciente imunocompetente, com localização atípica - na hemibolsa escrotal esquerda -, tratado com sucesso com fluconazol sistêmico associado à excisão cirúrgica.

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is a disease caused by dematiaceous fungi that develops mainly in immunocompromised patients. Lesions are generally located on the lower limbs. The present report describes a case of phaeohyphomycosis in an immunocompetent patient in whom a subcutaneous abscess was located in an unusual site, on the left hemiscrotum. The abscess was treated successfully with oral fluconazole associated with surgical excision.

Current diagnosis and management of syringocele: a review

Cowper's syringocele is a rare but an under-diagnosed cystic dilation of the Cowper's ducts and is increasingly being recognized in the adult population. Recent literature suggests that syringoceles be classified based on the configuration of the duct's orifice to the urethra, either open or closed, as this also allows the clinical presentations of 2 syringoceles to be divided, albeit with some overlap. Usually post-void dribbling, hematuria, or urethral discharge indicate open syringocele, while obstructive symptoms are associated with closed syringoceles. As these symptoms are shared by many serious conditions, a working differential diagnosis is critical. Ultrasonography coupled with retro and ante grade urethrography usually suffices to diagnose syringocele, but supplementary procedures - such as cystourethroscopy, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging - can prove useful. Conservative observation is first recommended, but persistent symptoms are usually treated with endoscopic marsupialization unless contraindicated. Upon reviewing the literature, this paper addresses the clinical anatomy, classification, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of syringoceles in further detail.

Impact of infection on the secretory capacity of the male accessory glands

INTRODUCTION: Studies that compare the impact of different infectious entities of the male reproductive tract (MRT) on the male accessory gland function are controversial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Semen analyses of 71 patients with proven infections of the MRT were compared with the results of 40 healthy non-infected volunteers. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their diagnosis: chronic prostatitis NIH type II (n = 38), chronic epididymitis (n = 12), and chronic urethritis (n = 21). RESULTS: The bacteriological analysis revealed 9 different types of microorganisms, considered to be the etiological agents, isolated in different secretions, including: urine, expressed prostatic secretions, semen and urethral smears: E. Coli (n = 20), Klebsiella (n = 2), Proteus spp. (n = 1), Enterococcus (n = 20), Staphylococcus spp. (n = 1), M. tuberculosis (n = 2), N. gonorrhea (n = 8), Chlamydia tr. (n = 16) and, Ureaplasma urealyticum (n = 1). The infection group had significantly (p < 0.05) lower: semen volume, alpha-glucosidase, fructose, and zinc in seminal plasma and, higher pH than the control group. None of these parameters was sufficiently accurate in the ROC analysis to discriminate between infected and non-infected men. CONCLUSION: Proven bacterial infections of the MRT impact negatively on all the accessory gland function parameters evaluated in semen, suggesting impairment of the secretory capacity of the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate. These findings were associated with an infectious related significant increase of semen pH. None of the semen parameters evaluated can be suggested as a diagnostic tool for infection.

Aggressive angiomyxoma in men.

Aggressive angiomyxoma is an uncommon neoplasm that preferentially involves the pelvic and perianal regions of reproductive age females. These tumors are rare in men and merit a wider recognition in male urologic pathology. We report a case of a 65 year old male who presented with a swelling in the left perineal region since 2 years which gradually increased in size to 10 x 10 x 8 cms. CT scan revealed a well defined lobulated heterogenous minimally enhancing mass in the left ischiorectal fossa extending upto the subcutaneous plane. Microscopically stellate to spindle shaped cells arranged in a loose myxoid stroma with numerous thin to thick walled vessels were seen. There was no evidence of pleomorphism, hyperchromatism or mitotic activity. This case is reported because of its rarity in males. It is a benign tumor and requires a wide excisional surgery.

Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging in persistent hemospermia

OBJECTIVE: To present the spectrum of abnormalities found at endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (E-MRI), in patients with persistent hemospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of E-MRI findings observed in 86 patients with persistent hemospermia was performed and results compared with those reported in the literature. Follow-up was possible in 37 of 86 (43 percent) patients with hemospermia. RESULTS: E-MRI showed abnormal findings in 52 of 86 (60 percent) patients with hemospermia. These findings were: a) hemorrhagic seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct, isolated (n = 11 or 21 percent) or associated with complicated midline prostatic cyst (n = 10 or 19.0 percent); b) hemorrhagic chronic seminal vesiculitis, isolated (n = 14 or 27 percent) or associated with calculi within dilated ejaculatory ducts (n = 2 or 4 percent); c) hemorrhagic seminal vesicle associated with calculi within dilated ejaculatory duct (n = 4 or 7.7 percent) or within seminal vesicle (n = 4 or 7.7 percent); d) non-complicated midline prostatic cyst (n = 6 or 11.5 percent); and e) prostate cancer (n = 1 or 2 percent). Successful treatment was more frequent in patients with chronic inflammatory and/or obstructive abnormalities. CONCLUSION: E-MRI should be considered the modality of choice, for the evaluation of patients with persistent hemospermia.

Chronic Infection of a Seminal Vesicle Cyst as Depicted on MR Imaging

Chronic infection of a seminal vesicle cyst is an extremely rare disorder worldwide. To date, only two cases, which were diagnosed initially by the use of contrast-enhanced CT or non-enhanced MR imaging, have been reported in the literature. We report here a case of a 78-year-old man with chronic infection of a seminal vesicle cyst to illustrate the usefulness of the pelvic contrast-enhanced MRI in making a definitive diagnosis of the rare disorder. In addition, a brief review of the relevant literature is presented.

Calcifying pseudotumor of scrotum: a case report.

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumors of the testicular and paratesticular soft tissue are relatively rare. We would like to report the first documented case of calcifying fibrous pseudotumor of the tunica vaginalis in Indian medical literature. This is a case of a 55 year old male who presented with a painless scrotal mass of 10 years duration. Histological sections showed dense hyalinised bands of collagen with focal collections of plasma cells and lymphocytes. Multiple round to oval concentrically laminated psammomatous bodies were seen.