Testicular microlithiasis, a rare and little-known disease: Case reports and a literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48193/revistamexicanadeurologa.v81i1.727Keywords:
Testicular microlithiasis, Ultrasound, ChildrenAbstract
Objective: The aim of the present work was to review the cases of testicular microlithiasis revealed by ultrasound and carry out a review of the literature.
Design: Testicular ultrasounds that identified testicular microlithiasis in patients seen at the Hospital “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, within the time frame of 2011 and 2018, were reviewed. Age, study indication, and laterality were among the variables analyzed.
Results: Twenty-one ultrasounds revealed testicular microlithiasis in patients ranging from 6 to 24 years of age, with a mean of 16 years. Both testes were affected in 81% of the patients, and the left testis was affected in 29%. The indication for ultrasound was testicular pain in 33% (7 cases), testicular tumor in 14% (3 cases), and testicular torsion in 10% (2 cases). Other causes were varicocele, testicular abscess, and testicular trauma.
Study limitations: The conclusions were relative, given the study’s retrospective, observational design.
Originality: Microlithiasis has a reported prevalence of 2.4% to 3.8% in children. It is associated with testicular tumors and can cause infertility. A possible cause is nanobacteria that induce testicular calcifications. The study of the disease could modify its treatment and prevent its appearance.
Conclusions: Testicular microlithiasis is a rare and little-known disease that can be associated with cancer and infertility. Its etiology appears to be nanobacterial infection. More research on the disease should be carried out.
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