Shorter anogenital distance is observed in patients with testicular microlithiasis using magnetic resonance imaging

Malene Roland Vils Pedersen,Søren Rafael Rafaelsen,Palle Jørn Osther

doi:10.1186/s13244-021-00989-5

Malene Roland Vils Pedersen, Søren Rafael Rafaelsen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-021-00989-5

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the anogenital distance in patients with and without testicular microlithiasis (TML).MethodsA total of 101 patients underwent a conventional standard clinical B-mode scrotal ultrasonography and scrotal MRI. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with TML and non-TML. The latter served as control group. The anogenital distance was measured by a straight line from center of the anus to the posterior base of scrotum using MRI.ResultsIn the TML group, mean AGD was 5.4 (± 1.07) cm (range 29–79 mm), and in non-TML 5.9 (± 1.03) cm (range 35–85 mm) (p = 0.04).ConclusionMRI is a useful tool to measure the AGD. It is easy to perform without any discomfort to patients. We found AGD to be lower in patients with TML.

Highlights

Testicular microlithiasis (TML) is characterized sonographically by the presence of very small echogenic foci diffusely dispersed throughout the testicular parenchyma without acoustic shadowing
TML has been associated with different testicular pathologies, e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, cryptorchidism, infertility, ethnicity, testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) and increased risk of intratubular germ cell neoplasia [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]
The patients were divided into a TML and non-TML group

Summary

Introduction

Testicular microlithiasis (TML) is characterized sonographically by the presence of very small echogenic foci diffusely dispersed throughout the testicular parenchyma without acoustic shadowing. TML is of unknown origin and is an asymptomatic condition. It is unknown how and why TML develops, but the condition can be present in all age groups. In 1987, TML was described as “innumerable tiny bright echoes diffusely and uniformly scattered” [1] throughout the testicular tissue. TML has been associated with different testicular pathologies, e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, cryptorchidism (undescended testis), infertility, ethnicity, testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) and increased risk of intratubular germ cell neoplasia [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]

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