Tubular ectasia of the rete testis: diagnostic sonographic features

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis is a benign condition, also known as cystic transformation of the rete testis. It results from dilatation of efferent tubules which causes ectasia and cystic formation. The main significance of this condition is that it must be differentiated from testicular neoplasms. Knowledge of this entity and its associated conditions in addition to recognition of their characteristic sonographic features can aid making appropriate diagnosis and avoid the need for biopsy or orchiectomy. The subject of this study were 12 patients examined for testicular pain, palpable cyst or varicocele, all were examined on presentation by ultrasound, color and power Doppler. Same regimen was used in repeated US follow-up. All the patients showed the classical appearances of multiple cystic tubular structures with absent mass effect and absent capsule. All showed absent flow on color Doppler with no significant changes on follow-up Ultrasound. 5 patients showed bilateral asymmetrical affection. Only one of the 12 patients was referred for post-operative follow-up, none were referred for palpable solid tumor. This regimen allowed proper diagnosis of benign tubular ectasia of the rete testis and hence avoidance of biopsy and orchiectomy

Imaging of undescended testes: a prospective study

Evaluation of various imaging modalities in localizing undescended testes. Prospective study. Fifty patients [74 testes]. Ultrasound [US], computerized tomography [CT], and one testicular venography were performed; 32 testes of 67 had a US examination and were operated upon; 27 testes of 66 had CT examination and were operated upon. The US surgically proven sensitivity was 53.85% with a specificity of 33.33%. The US positive predictive value was 77.78% and the negative predictive value was 14.3%. The CT sensitivity was 95.9% with a specificity of 60%. The positive predictive value of CT was 91.3% and the negative predictive value was 75%. The accuracy of US and CT were 50% and 88.9% respectively. Ultrasound is a good positive test. Patients will have to be considered for CT examination if US is negative. Testicular venography can be used to save the patient from surgical exploration