Role of Gubernaculum testis inervation during the process of testicular migration in human fetuses

ABSTRACT Purpose: The gubernaculum seems to be the most important anatomical structure in the testicular migration process. The objective of this paper is to review current literature regarding the role of gubernaculum testis nerves in testicular migration. We conducted a comprehensive literature review about the gubernaculum testis innervation. A PubMed database search was performed in April 2024, focusing on gubernaculum testis and cryptorchidism and genitofemoral nerve (GFN) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) gene. The gubernaculum has its own nerve supply, the GFN, descending on the anteromedial surface of the psoas muscle from L1-L2 segments. The second phase of testicular descent is regulated by androgens and CGRP, released from the sensory nucleus of the GFN. The GFN doesn't directly play a role in testicular migration but there is a theory that shows a regulatory function of this nerve in hormonal action during this process. The gubernaculum testis has important structural alterations during the testicular migration and the genitofemoral nerve and CGRP gene are of great importance in this process. The genitofemoral nerve provides motor innervation to the cremaster muscle and gubernaculum, which helps regulate the position of the testes within the scrotum.

Multiparametric ultrasound for the assessment of testicular lesions with negative tumoral markers / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS; grayscale US, color Doppler US, strain elastography, and contrast-enhanced US) in the assessment of testicular lesions with negative tumoral markers. MpUS imaging data, patient age, serum tumor markers, scrotal pain, cryptorchidism, and related clinical information were retrospectively collected for patients who underwent mpUS examination between January 2013 and December 2019. Histologic results or follow-up examinations were used as the reference standard. In total, 83 lesions from 79 patients were included in the analysis. Fifty-six patients were finally diagnosed with benign tumors, and 23 patients were ultimately diagnosed with malignant tumors. Chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests were used to assess the difference between the two groups. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lesion diameter (odds ratio [OR] = 1.072, P = 0.005), vascularization on color Doppler US (OR = 4.066, P = 0.001), and hyperenhancement during the early phase (OR = 6.465, P = 0.047) were significant independent risk factors for malignancy; however, when compared with neoplastic lesions, pain (OR = 0.136, P < 0.001), absence of vascularization on color Doppler US (OR = 1.680, P = 0.042), and nonenhancement during the late phase (OR = 3.461, P = 0.031) were strongly associated with nonneoplastic lesions. MpUS features are useful for differentiating testicular lesions with negative tumoral markers and improving the preoperative diagnosis, which may avoid inappropriate radical orchiectomy.

Testicular decompression and tunica vaginalis flap in human acute testicular torsion: modified step-by-step technique description and preliminary outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective To report the effects of a tunica vagina flap on testicular compartment syndrome. Methods This single-arm clinical trial was conducted from September 2020 to October 2021. Consecutive patients with suspected testicular torsion within 24 hours of pain onset were included. Patients with past testicular torsion, bilateral torsion, or previous atrophy were excluded. The tunica vaginalis was opened, and the intratesticular pressure was measured before testicular retrieval from the scrotum and detorsion (P1), after detorsion (P2), and after transverse incision (P3). A tunica vaginalis flap was performed and a new intratesticular pressure was recorded (P4). The contralateral testicular pressure was recorded before fixation (Pc). The minimum follow-up period was 6 months. Results Fifteen patients were recruited from September 2020 to October 2021. Nine patients completed the follow-up. The median age (range) was 15 years (9-19). The mean P1, P2, P3, P4, and Pc (range) were 43, 60, 23, 20, and 14mmHg, respectively. The atrophy rate was 66.3% and the viability was 88.9%. No major complications were observed. Conclusion The modified tunica vaginalis flap in acute testicular torsion decreased intratesticular pressure. Furthermore, normal testicular pressure can improve testicular preservation. It can also decrease testicular pressure to normal levels and preserve the testicular parenchyma.

Reporte de caso: Miofibroblastoma mamario paratesticular / Case report: Paratesticular mammary myofibroblastoma

RESUMEN Existe una variedad de tumores epiteliales, mesoteliales y de tejidos blandos que pueden desarrollarse en la red testicular y paratesticular. Se presenta el caso clínico de paciente con tumoración paratesticular derecha: Miofibroblastoma Mamario Paratesticular. Importante recalcar la variedad de origen embrionario para el desarrollo de estos tumores, así como el diagnóstico oportuno para el tratamiento y seguimiento resolutivo.

ABSTRACT There is a variety of epithelial, mesothelial, and soft tissue tumors that can develop in the testicular and paratesticular area. We present the case of a patient with a right paratesticular tumor that was diagnosed as paratesticular mammary myofibroblastoma. It is important to emphasize the embryonic origin variety for the development of these tumors, as well as having a timely diagnosis for treatment and decisive follow-up.

Testicular torsion: a modified surgical technique for immediate intravaginal testicular prosthesis implant

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this paper is to propose a modified surgical technique for immediate intravaginal prosthesis implantation in patients undergoing orchiectomy due to testicular torsion, and to evaluate the wound healing process and patient's satisfaction. Material and methods: We prospectively analyzed 137 patients with testicular torsion admitted to our facility between April 2018 and May 2020. Twenty-five patients who underwent orchiectomy were included in this study. Fifteen had a testicular prosthesis implanted at the same time as orchiectomy using a modified intravaginal technique (summary figure) and 10 received implants 6 to 12 months after orchiectomy. Wound healing was evaluated at a minimum of four checkpoints (on days 15, 45, 90 and 180 after surgery). At the end of the study, a questionnaire was administered to measure patients' satisfaction rate. Student's t test was used for comparison of quantitative data between negative vs. positive cultures (p <0.05). The chi-square test was used to verify associations between categorical variables and immediate vs. late prosthesis implantation (p <0.05). Results: Patient's ages ranged from 13 to 23 years (mean 16.44 years). Overall time lapse from symptoms to orchiectomy ranged from 10 hours to 25 days (mean 7.92 days). Only one extrusion occurred and it happened in the late implant group. All wounds were healed in 72%, 88%, 95.8% and 100% of the cases on the 15th, 45th, 90th and 180th days after implant, respectively. At the end of the study, all patients stated they would recommend it to a friend or relative. The only patient that had prothesis extrusion asked to have it implanted again. Conclusion: There was no prosthesis extrusion using the modified intravaginal surgical technique for immediate testicular prosthesis implantation, which proved to be an easily performed and safe procedure that can avoid further reconstructive surgery in patients whose testicle was removed due to testicular torsion.

Rabdomiosarcoma paratesticular: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma: Case report and literature review

RESUMEN Objetivo: Ofrecer un alcance de la relevancia del diagnóstico oportuno del cáncer testicular, a partir de un caso infrecuente de rabdomiosarcoma paratesticular en un adulto. Reporte de Caso: Se trata de un paciente varón de 39 años, que ingresa al servicio de cirugía - urología por un aumento de volumen de contenido escrotal, de forma progresiva desde hace 2 años, con crecimiento paulatino de la masa. En la ecografía testicular se evidencia un notorio aumento de volumen de bolsas escrotales por aparente tumoración o masa de consistencia dura, de estructura heterogénea y aspecto sólido de bordes mal definidos. Considerando los hallazgos clínicos, marcadores testiculares e imagenológicos se diagnosticó un tumor paratesticular derecho. Se realizó una orquiectomía derecha más exéresis de tumor paratesticular derecho. Patología concluyó en rabdomiosarcoma embrionario paratesticular con cápsula rota. Paciente fue dado de alta con seguimiento por consulta externa y referido a hospital oncológico de cuarto nivel.

ABSTRACT Objetive: Offer a scope of the relevance of the timely diagnosis of testicular cancer, based on a infrequent case of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma in an adult. Case report: The patient is a 39-year-old male who was admitted to the urology-surgery department because of an increase in scrotal volume, which has been progressive over the past two years, with gradual growth of the mass. Testicular ultrasound shows a notorious increase in volume of scrotal bags due to an apparent tumour or mass of hard consistency, of heterogeneous structure and solid aspect with ill-defined edges. Considering the clinical findings, testicular markers and imaging, a right paratesticular tumor was diagnosed. A right orchiectomy plus right paratesticular tumor exeresis was performed. Pathology concluded in paratesticular embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma with a broken capsule. Patient was discharged with outpatient follow-up and referred to the fourth level cancer hospital.

Testicular ultrasound inhomogeneity is an informative parameter for fertility evaluation / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Testicular volume (TV) is proposed to be a positive predictor of male fertility status, because of the relation known between the TV and the seminiferous tubule content. Independently of the measurement methodology, the role of TV and testicular ultrasound (US) assessments is still debated in andrological clinical practice. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated TV and testis US role in the diagnostic workup of andrological patients. All consecutive outpatients undergoing single-operator testis US (Modena, Italy) from March 2012 to March 2018 were enrolled, matching sonographic, hormonal, and seminal data. A total of 302 men were referred and evaluated for gynecomastia, suspected hypogonadism, couple infertility (CI), or sexual dysfunction. In the hypogonadal group, TV was lower compared to that in other groups (P < 0.001), and a significant, direct correlation between TV and testosterone level was observed in nonandrogen-treated patients (R = 0.911, P < 0.001), suggesting that testicular size could be related to the testosterone-secreting compartment. In the CI group, normozoospermic patients showed higher TV compared to men with impaired semen quality (P = 0.003) and azoospermia (P = 0.003). However, TV was not able to discriminate between patients presenting normal and altered semen quality. On the contrary, testis US inhomogeneity was more frequent in patients with impaired sperm quality (55.0%; P = 0.007) and azoospermia (40.0%; P = 0.012), compared to patients with normozoospermia (5%), identifying thereby the sonographic pattern as an informative parameter of the fertility status. Therefore, in the CI workup, US evaluation seems to be more informative than the TV assessment alone.

C-Type Natriuretic Peptide/Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 2 Is Involved in Cell Proliferation and Testosterone Production in Mouse Leydig Cells

PURPOSE: This study investigated the role of natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) on cell proliferation and testosterone secretion in mouse Leydig cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse testis of different postnatal stages was isolated to detect the expression C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor NPR2 by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Leydig cells isolated from mouse testis were cultured and treated with shNPR2 lentiviruses or CNP. And then the cyclic guanosine monophosphate production, testosterone secretion, cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells were analyzed by ELISA, RT-qPCR, Cell Counting Kit-8, and flow cytometry. Moreover, the expression of NPR2, cell cycle, apoptosis proliferation and cell cycle related gene were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Knockdown of NPR2 by RNAi resulted in S phase cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis, and decreased testosterone secretion in mouse Leydig cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides more evidences to better understand the function of CNP/NPR2 pathway in male reproduction, which may help us to treat male infertility.

Beneficial effect of pentoxifylline into the testis of rats in an experimental model of unilateral hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion injury

The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of pentoxifylline (PTX) on remote testicular injury caused by unilateral hind limb ischemia/reperfusion of rats.

Testicular calculus: A rare case

Testicular calculus is an extremely rare case with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. To our knowledge, here we report the third case of testicular calculus. A 31-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with painful solid mass in left testis. After diagnostic work-up for a possible testicular tumour, he underwent inguinal orchiectomy and histopathologic examination showed a testicular calculus.

Clinical analysis of 31 cases of testicular torsion / 中国基层医药

Objective To improve early diagnosis of testicular torsion,reduce misdiagnosis and reduce the rate of orchiectomy.Methods The diagnosis and treatment of testicular torsion in 31 cases were retrospectively ana-lyzed.Results 54.8% misdiagnosis rate was in this group,all the 31 cases were diagnosed by color Doppler ultra-sound,including 19 cases of retained testicle and orchiectomy in 12 cases (38.7%).In 19 cases of this group retained testis,testicular torsion time within 5 hours was 2 cases,and postoperative had testicles survival.In the 6 cases of testicular torsion time within 5 hours to 10 hours,5 cases had the testis survival.In the 5 cases of torsion of testis time was 10 hours to 24 hours,3 caseshad the testis survival.In the 6 cases of testicular torsion time more than 24 hours,2 cases of testis survival.After postoperative following-up,19 cases of retained testis had no recurrence,all the 31 cases were found no contralateral testicular torsion and all cases sex hormone levels were in the normal levels. Conclusion Testicular torsion is easily misdiagnosed,color doppler ultrasound should be preferred.Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical exploration,unity and strictly control the orchiectomy surgery indications,means a lot to reduce the rate of orchiectomy.

Values of applying color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of testicular torsion and acute epididymo-orchitis / 中国基层医药

Objective To analyze and compare the values of applying color Doppler ultrasound in the diag -nosis of testicular torsio and acute epididymo -orchitis.Methods 90 males in our hospital were selected and divided into the testicular torsion group and acute epididymo -orchitis group ,color Doppler ultrasound was applied in the two groups.Results After examination by color Doppler ultrasound ,it showed that there were significant differences in blood supply of testicle ,epididymis between the two groups ,the diagnostic result was accurate with statistical signifi-cance(χ2 =11.408,11.944,P<0.05).Conclusion It can highlight the images and blood supply features of testic-ular torsion and acute epididymo -orchitis that applying color Doppler ultrasound ,and as an economic ,practical ,accu-rate and non-invasive examination ,it can diagnose testicular torsion and acute epididymo -orchitis accurately ,so it's the preference for testicular torsio and acute epididymo -orchitis.

Ectopia testicular cruzada unilateral: presentación de un caso clínico y revisión bibliográfica / Unilateral crossed testicular ectopia: case report and literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Es una patología infrecuente del descenso testicular, a la fecha en la literatura sólo se han reportado aproximadamente 100 casos. Afecta por lo general a varones de 1-2 años de edad. El diagnóstico en adultos es sumamente raro. OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas de un caso de ectopia testicular cruzada unilateral. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente varón de 35 años de edad, consulta por tumoración en región inguinal izquierda de un 1 año de evolución, que desaparece al decúbito dorsal y aumenta de tamaño con el esfuerzo (estornudo y defecación). Niega dolor, edema, detención de heces y gases. Al examen físico de la región inguinal de pie se aprecia una tumoración de forma ovoidea, asimétrica desde anillo superficial hasta las bolsas escrotales del mismo lado; en decúbito dorsal se aprecia una tumoración de forma ovoidea, blanda, renitente, reductible e incoercible, por arriba del ligamento de Poupart y desde el orificio inguinal profundo-externo, se palpa testículo y epidídimo de forma y tamaño normal, RHA (+), transiluminación (-). La impresión diagnóstica indica hernia inguinal indirecta. Durante la disección y reparo del cordón se constata la presencia del doble paquete vascular correspondiente a ambos testículos exteriorizados a través del orificio inguinal profundo izquierdo. DISCUSIÓN: Esta rara patología es diagnosticada de forma casual en la mayoría de los casos, como hallazgo operatorio en pacientes diagnosticados de hernia inguinal o criptorquidia.

INTRODUCTION: It is a rare pathology of testicular descent, to the date the literature has reported only a hundred cases. Usually it affects boys between 1-2 years old. The diagnosis in adults is extremely rare. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features of a case of Crossed testicular ectopia. CASE REPORT: Male, 35 years old, consulted for a lump of one year of evolution in inguinal region, that supine disappears and increases in size with the effort (sneeze and defecation). He denies pain, edema, detention of feces and gases. Physical examination of the inguinal region stand a tumor seen ovoid, asymmetrical from superficial ring to the scrotal sacs on the same side; supine a tumor seen ovoid, soft, renitente, reducible and intractable, above the ligament of Poupart and from deep-external inguinal ring, testis and epididymis of normal shape and size, bowel sounds (+), transillumination(-). Indirect inguinal hernia was diagnosed. During dissection and repair of the cord the presence of the double vascular bundle corresponding to both externalized testicles through the left inguinal deep hole is found. DISCUSSION: This rare disease, in most cases the diagnosis is casual, as surgical finding in patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia or cryptorchidism

The importance of the gubernaculum in testicular migration during the human fetal period

Objectives The objective of this review is to study the role of the gubernaculum in the testicular migration process during the human fetal period. Materials and Methods We performed a descriptive review of the literature about the role of the gubernaculum in testicular migration during the human fetal period. Results In the first phase of testicular migration, the gubernaculum enlarges to hold the testis near the groin and in the second phase the gubernaculum migrates across the pubic region to reach the scrotum. The proximal portion of the gubernaculum is attached to the testis and epididymis and the presence of multiple insertions in the distal gubernaculum is extremely rare. The presence of muscle and nerves in the human gubernaculum is very poor. The gubernaculum of patients with cryptorchidism has more fibrous tissue and less collagen and when the patients are submitted to hormonal treatment, the gubernaculum components alter significantly. Conclusions The gubernaculum presents significant structural modifications during testicular migration in human fetuses. .

Vasculite testicular: uma manifestação rara de artrite reumatoide / Testicular vasculitis: a rare manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis

A vasculite testicular é uma manifestação extra-articular muito rara da artrite reumatoide (AR). Descrevemos o caso de um homem de 53 anos com diagnóstico de AR por oito anos, sem controle adequado da doença. O paciente desenvolveu vasculite reumatoide, manifestada por úlceras de membros inferiores e neuropatia periférica. Apresentou ainda meningite neutrofílica aguda, tendo sido tratado com antibióticos e posterior pulsoterapia endovenosa com metilprednisolona (500 mg/dia) por três dias, seguida de ciclofosfamida (2 mg/kg/ dia) e prednisona orais. O paciente apresentou melhora do quadro, mas 15 dias após a alta hospitalar, houve reativação da meningite bacteriana. O paciente foi reinternado e tratado novamente com antibióticos. Três dias depois da segunda admissão hospitalar, o paciente apresentou dor, aumento de volume do testículo esquerdo e posteriormente gangrena. Foi realizada orquiectomia unilateral e o exame anatomopatológico revelou vasculite linfocítica. O paciente faleceu dois dias após a cirurgia devido a pneumonia aspirativa. Esse caso ilustra a vasculite testicular como uma manifestação rara e grave da vasculite reumatoide.

Testicular vasculitis is a very rare extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We describe the case of a 53-year-old man diagnosed with RA for eight years, who was poorly controlled and developed rheumatoid vasculitis, which manifested as leg ulcers and peripheral polyneuropathy. The patient also had acute neutrophilic meningitis and was treated with antibiotics and intravenous pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (500 mg daily) for three days, followed by oral cyclophosphamide (2 mg/kg daily) and prednisone. Overall improvement was observed, and the patient was discharged. But 15 days later, the meningitis recurred, and the patient was readmitted and treated again with antibiotics. Three days later, he developed pain and enlargement of his left testicle with gangrene. Unilateral orchiectomy was performed, revealing lymphocytic vasculitis. The patient died two days later due to aspiration pneumonia. This case illustrates a rare and severe manifestation of rheumatoid vasculitis.

Corticosteroid Therapy Improves the Outcome of Semen Analysis in an Oligozoospermic Patient With Epididymal Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, inflammatory disorder characterized by the presence of noncaseating epithelioid granulomas. Sarcoidosis can involve the genitourinary system by affecting the kidney and genitals. Most characteristic genital lesions proceed to granuloma and can comprise the epididymis, testis, and vas deferens. Few case reports have been published on this rare entity. We report a case in which a man presented with bilateral epididymal sarcoidosis and severe oligospermia. Corticosteroid treatment, which was applied in gradually decreasing doses for 6 months, dissolved the testicular granuloma. Consequently, semen analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the sperm count to within normal limits.

Diagnóstico ecográfico de leiomiosarcoma paratesticular con microlitiasis testicular: presentación de un caso / Ultrasound diagnosis of paratesticular leiomyosarcoma with testicular microlithiasis: a case report

El leiomiosarcoma es un tumor paratesticular maligno con una mayor incidencia a partir de la sexta década de la vida, aunque se describen casos a partir de la cuarta década. Suponen el 5 por ciento de todos los sarcomas y el 2 por ciento de todos los tumores urológicos. No se conoce el origen de este tipo de tumores, pero se especula con la posibilidad del papel de una degeneración de un leiomioma previo, originado a partir de estructuras funiculares de músculo liso, que puede localizarse en las fibras musculares cremastéricas, en el deferente, en los vasos funiculares, incluso en restos vestigiales de músculos de la pared escrotal, de las fibras conjuntivas del conducto peritoneovaginal o de restos mesoblásticos atrapados en el cordón funicular. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 37 años con diagnóstico de leiomiosarcoma paratesticular asociado a microlitiasis testicular.

Leiomiosarcoma is a malignant paratesticular tumor with a greater incidence from the sixth decade of life, although cases from the fourth decade are described. They suppose 5 percent of all sarcomas and 2 percent of all the urological tumours. The origin of this type of tumors is not known, but it is speculated with the possibility of a degeneration role of a previous leiomyoma, originated from funicular structures of smooth muscle, that it can be located in cremasteric muscular fibers, in the deferens, funicular vessel, even in vestigial rest of the scrotal wall muscles, from conjuntive fibers of processus vaginalis or mesoblastic rest caught in the funicular cord. A case of 37 years patient appears with diagnosis of paratesticular leiomiosarcoma associated to testicular microlithiasis.

Valor diagnóstico del ultrasonido en las afecciones testiculares en el Hospital Provincial Docente Dr Antonio Luaces Iraola / Diagnostic value of ultrasound in the testicular affections at Dr Antonio Luaces Iraola Provincial General Teaching Hospital

Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en el servicio de Imagenología del Hospital General Provincial Docente Dr Antonio Luaces Iraola de Ciego de Ávila en el período comprendido entre marzo del año 2009 a febrero de 2011, con el objetivo determinar el valor diagnóstico del ultrasonido en las afecciones testiculares y estructuras afines. Predominaron los pacientes con color de la piel negra y el grupo de edad de 30-39 años, los signos flogísticos fueron las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes. Entre los hallazgos ecográficos las lesiones homogéneas, únicas, ecolúcidas, pequeñas, extratesticulares, no calcificadas, de contornos regulares y con testículo de tamaño normal fueron las más frecuentes. Las afecciones benignas fueron las predominantes y entre ellas las más frecuentes fueron el hidrocele, el varicocele y los quistes del epidídimo. Existió correspondencia entre las manifestaciones clínicas y los hallazgos ecográficos. Se obtuvo un elevado índice de confiabilidad, con elevada sensibilidad y especificidad, con bajo porcentaje de falso positivo.

An observational and descriptive study was carried out in theradiology unitat Dr Antonio Luaces Iraola Provincial General Teaching Hospital, in Ciego de Avila, in the period between March 2009 to February 2011, with the aim of determining the value compatible diagnosis of the ultrasound in the testicular affections and structures. Patients with black skin color and the age group of 30-39 predominated, the weak signs were the most frequent clinic manifestation. Among the ultrasound findings the homogenous injury, unique, echolucent, small, extratesticular, not calcified, of regular contours and with normal size testicle were the most frequent. The benign affections were the predominant ones and the most frequent among them were hydrocele, varicocele and the epididymis cysts. There was correspondence between the clinical manifestations and the ultrasound findings. A high index of trustworthiness was obtained, with the high sensitivity and specificity, with low percentage of false positive.

Sarcoidose testicular: um diagnóstico a ser considerado / Testicular sarcoidosis: a diagnosis to be considered

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown etiology, characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas in multiple organs. We present a case of testicular sarcoidosis in a white, 55-year-old man who has come to our department complaining of bilateral testicular discomfort and weight loss.

Polyarteritis Nodosa Presenting with Bilateral Testicular Swelling and Complicated by Unilateral Facial Nerve Palsy

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis that is generally restricted to medium-sized vessels. Here we describe the first case of a patient in which a bilateral testicular mass was a presenting symptom and the diagnosis was made on the basis of testicular histopathology. A 53-year-old Asian man presented with a history of constitutional symptoms and testicular swelling. Scrotal ultrasound revealed two avascular, bilateral, intratesticular lesions. The bilateral testicular abscess was treated without improvement. The patient developed left seventh cranial nerve palsy during his admission. The clinical changes made vasculitis or a related disorder more likely and the patient underwent a right testicular biopsy. Histopathology demonstrated features of transmural inflammation and fibrinoid necrosis of medium-sized vessel walls, consistent with PAN. This case illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing polyarteritis nodosa with isolated bilateral testicular swelling and the delay in the diagnosis. After 9 months of follow-up, no relapse had occurred and the patient's testosterone level was on the lower side of normal.