Spontaneous Infertility Secondary to Testicular Sarcoidosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease that can affect any region of the body. Rarely, sarcoid involvement may even involve the male genitourinary tract, including the testicles. Testicular sarcoidosis causes spontaneous and severe effects on male fertility due to obstructive azoospermia. The case presented offers an insight into successful fertility treatment in a patient with obstructive testicular sarcoidosis. The patient and his partner presented to the clinic two years post successful natural conception of their first child with subsequent infertility. Within this period, the male partner was diagnosed with sarcoidosis and was on a treatment plan consisting of methotrexate and glucocorticoids. Complete azoospermia was confirmed via two separate semen analyses six weeks apart. The patient’s testosterone (free and total), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were all within normal limits. With approval of pulmonology, methotrexate was discontinued for three months; however, subsequent semen analysis revealed no improvement. The patient was referred to urology, who confirmed the presence a palpable testicular nodule. Treatment of infertility was eventually achieved via testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This treatment was successful in achieving one blastocyst and one morula, which were replaced via fresh transfer, resulting in a successful term singleton pregnancy. The possibility of obstructive azoospermia should be considered in males diagnosed with sarcoidosis who are seeking to preserve their reproductive potential.

Sarcoidosis of the spermatic cord – case report and literature review

“…In such a case, surgery would be advised. In addition, although extremely rare, bilateral compression of the spermatic cord vessels could lead to azoospermia [ 12 , 13 ]. In such a case, data on treatment modalities are confusing [ 12 ].…”

“…In such a case, data on treatment modalities are confusing [ 12 ]. Corticosteroids could be an option instead of surgery [ 13 ]. In the case of oligospermia, the patient should be offered sperm banking.…”