Tubular ectasia of the rete testis

Loneragan, Robert; Parrish, Mark E.

doi:10.1111/j.1440-1673.1994.tb00157.x

Cited by 10 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…The major underlying causes of obstruction or stenosis leading to TERT, are classified into mechanical compression of extratesticular excretory ducts, congenital malformation such as testis-epididymis dissociation, arterial lesions causing ischemic epididymal atrophy, and hormonal abnormalities such as androgen-estrogen imbalance which leads to atrophy of the epididymis due to its dependence on androgens [6]. Moreover, certain associations are linked to TERT, such as a history of trauma, surgeries such as previous vasectomy and hernia repair, and post inflammatory alterations such as in epididymitis similar to the presented patient [3,4].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The classic associated features of this condition help avoid unnecessary procedures and surgeries. On the other hand, features suspicious for malignant lesions such as palpable testicular masses, cystic lesions associated with a solid mass, and presentation at a younger age, prompt further workup [2][3][4][5]. Magnetic resonance imaging is used when in doubt, due to its precise tissue differentiation, which helps in confirming or excluding other differentials [1].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The cystic transformation of rete testis is speculated to take place due to the consequent back pressure following obstruction or stenosis. The most common locations for obstruction includes the efferent ducts, testis epididymis junction, and within the epididymis [4,6]. The major underlying causes of obstruction or stenosis leading to TERT, are classified into mechanical compression of extratesticular excretory ducts, congenital malformation such as testis-epididymis dissociation, arterial lesions causing ischemic epididymal atrophy, and hormonal abnormalities such as androgen-estrogen imbalance which leads to atrophy of the epididymis due to its dependence on androgens [6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, they show no signs of blood flow on Doppler scan. TERT is bilateral in almost one-third of all cases and most have associated epididymal pathologies such as epididymitis and epididymal cysts [1][2][3][4][5][6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Obstruction or stenosis possibly owing to mechanical compression, congenital malformation, hormonal abnormalities, or ischemic atrophy [6] Prevalence 1.64% of 2316 men have TERT [6] Gender ratio N/A Male organ condition Age predilection 60 years, range from 31-76 years [2] Risk factors Infections, surgeries, trauma [4] Treatment No treatment required Prognosis Benign condition…”

Section: Etiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Bilateral Ductal Ectasia of the Rete Testis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Omer¹,

Engelman²,

Krauthamer³

et al. 2017

Reprod Syst Sex Disord

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A 58-year-old male presented to the emergency department with right scrotal pain and swelling. The patient's past medical history of epididymitis was unraveled. A multiplanar grayscale sonogram with Doppler scan of the scrotum and intra-testicular arterial pulse waveform was performed which demonstrated features of tubular ectasia of the rete testis. There was increased flow at the epididymal head which prompted the possibility of an inflammatory process consequently antibiotic therapy was administered. Tubular ectasia of the rete testis is a benign condition usually found incidentally, it has a prevalence of 1.64% in the population. This condition can be associated with a history of trauma, surgery, and inflammatory or infectious conditions. In case there is a suspicion of malignant etiology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for better tissue differentiation. Keywords: Scrotal pain; Doppler scan; Epididymal head; Testes Case ReportA 58-year-old male presented to the emergency department with right scrotal pain and swelling. The pain was severe, gradually progressive, radiated to the groin, and worsened with touch and movement. There was associated bilateral scrotal swelling and dysuria without fever, rash, or penile discharge. Our patient reported recurrent similar but less severe symptoms, as well as a history of epididymitis two years before presentation. A multiplanar grayscale ultrasound with color Doppler of the scrotum and intra-testicular arterial pulse wave was performed, which demonstrated normal homogenous echotexture bilaterally with no evidence of intra-testicular masses. Both testes demonstrated grossly symmetric color Doppler flow with normal intra-testicular arterial waveforms. A small anechoic left epididymal head cyst without evidence of a hydrocele was visualized (Figures 1 and 2). There were right and left tubular anechoic lesions located at the mediastinum testis, more prominent on the right, consistent with tubular ectasia of the rete testes. The right epididymal head demonstrated asymmetric increased color Doppler flow compared to the left, consistent with an inflammatory or infectious process.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Etiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Bilateral Ductal Ectasia of the Rete Testis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Omer¹,

Engelman²,

Krauthamer³

et al. 2017

Reprod Syst Sex Disord

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Tubular ectasia of rete testis with obstructive azoospermia and infertility: A case report and literature review

2024

UroPrecision

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BackgroundTubular ectasia of rete testis (TERT) is a benign condition due to dilatation of the rete testis as a consequence of multiple etiologies, including postinfectious, trauma, prior inguinal or scrotal surgeries, mechanical compression of extratesticular excretory ducts, and congenital malformation. TERT is a rare and underreported condition in the medical literature. Its association with infertility is lacking in the literature.Case PresentationWe present a rare case of primary infertility and obstructive azoospermia associated with TERT. We performed extensive literature regarding the possible etiologies, associations, clinical diagnosis, and different management options of this entity. Our patient is a 33‐year‐old man presented with primary infertility. He was found to have obstructive azoospermia. During scrotal exploration, the diagnosis of intratesticular obstruction due to TERT was made. The couple was advised to undergo intracytoplasmic sperm injection using testicular sperms. This is the third report of TERT associated with azoospermia.ConclusionTERT is usually asymptomatic but can occasionally be associated with pain or abnormal semen analysis, but further studies are required to confirm its effect on fertility. Fortunately, it has a benign course and typically does not require surgical intervention. It is vital to differentiate it from neoplastic conditions.

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