Diagnostic value of ultrasound in children with transverse testicular ectopia

Abstract

ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasound in children’s transverse testicular ectopia (TTE).Materials and methodsWe retrospectively studies all TTE cases diagnosed in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. All cases were evaluated by ultrasound examination and compared to physical examination and diagnostic laparoscopy results.ResultsThis study included 14 TTE patients in total, with a median age was 1.08 years. In the 14 TTE, physical examination found 10 TTE cases, of which nine testes were located in the opposite scrotum, one testis was located in the opposite groin, and the other four testes were not observed by physical examination. All cases were diagnosed by preoperative ultrasound, and nine testes were located in the opposite scrotum, two testes were located in the opposite groin, and three testes were located next to the opposite iliac vessel in the abdominal cavity. Preoperative ultrasound showed the ectopic spermatic cord in six cases (6/14, 42.8%) and persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) in one case (1/14, 7%). Diagnostic laparoscopy finally confirmed 14 cases of TTE, which was consistent with preoperative ultrasound, and the coincidence rate was 100% (14/14). Among the 14 cases of TTE, diagnostic laparoscopy showed that 12 cases had ectopic spermatic vessels and vas deferens (12/14, 85.7%), and six cases were associated with PMDS (6/14, 42.8%). When TTE was associated with the ectopic spermatic cord and PMDS, the diagnostic performance of diagnostic laparoscopy was better than that of preoperative ultrasound (P < 0.05). The testis volume of the affected side of TTE was less than that of the contralateral testis (P < 0.05).ConclusionUltrasonography is very helpful for the preoperative diagnosis of TTE in children, and it is suitable as a non-surgical method for locating ectopictestis. Preoperative assessment of the exact presence of PMDS is difficult and unclear. This may be related to factors such as pelvic developmental stages in infancy, examination techniques, and atypical imaging findings of PMDS.

Transverse testicular ectopia with an inguinal hernia: A rare case report

“…Preoperative ultrasound is commonly used for its non-invasive nature and ability to provide detailed information on the location, shape, size, and vascular supply of the testicle. Additionally, ultrasound can assess for associated conditions like inguinal hernia [ 5 ].…”

“…The first type is associated with inguinal hernia, which is the most common, the second type is associated with PMDS, and the third type is associated with other deformities [ 4 ]. The primary clinical presentation typically involves an undescended testicle or a mass in the groin [ 5 ]. In most cases, the diagnosis is made incidentally during surgery for an inguinal hernia or undescended testicle.…”