Testicular microlithiasis in acquired undescended testis after orchidopexy at diagnosis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to observe the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis (TM) in surgically corrected acquired undescended testis (UDT). The prevalence of TM was assessed by ultrasound. Boys and young men who had undergone orchidopexy (ORP) for acquired UDT in mid or late childhood were observed to study the long-term testicular volume. During this examination, the presence or absence of TM was also assessed. TM was defined as echogenic foci without shadowing within the testis parenchyma. We included 106 patients who had undergone ORP at the Medical Center Alkmaar (1986-1999) and 155 patients who had undergone ORP at the Juliana Children's Hospital (1996-2009). The majority of patients were white, Caucasian (82%). The median age at follow-up, 25.8years (range 14.0-31.6years) was higher in Medical Center Alkmaar than in Juliana Children's Hospital 13.4years (range 5.1-26.6years). From 2009 to 2011, these 261 patients (median age 18.9years) underwent an ultrasound examination. Median follow-up after ORP was 11.3years (range 1.4-23.5years); age at ORP ranged from 2.1 to 16.2years, with a median of 8.5years. TM was found in 17 (6.5%) patients (median age at follow-up 20.4years; range 11-28). No significant association was found with the incidence of TM and the operated testis, the age at ORP or the racial variance (p>0.05). ORP at diagnosis for acquired UDT is associated with a 6.5% prevalence of TM in boys and young adults.