Microlithiasis testis

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Ultrasound image for microlithiasis testis

As microlithiasis testis or testicular microlithiasis refers to the occurrence of multiple ca. 1-3 mm large calcifications in the testes , which are scattered throughout the tissue of the testis. The ultrasound result shows an image of many small bright points, which is known as a starry sky phenomenon . The finding is found in up to 5% of young men as an incidental finding and has no disease value of its own. The significance of the finding as a risk factor for germ cell tumors in men is controversial.

Risk of testicular tumors

A meta-analysis showed an 8.5-fold increased risk of testicular tumors in patients with other specific risk factors in the presence of testicular microlithiasis. Studies on otherwise asymptomatic patients without additional risk factors speak against the original property of testicular microlithiasis as a preliminary stage of testicular tumors. Rather, both phenomena may only be based on a similar pathomechanism. Regular check-ups are considered sufficient for patients with isolated testis microlithiasis (without other risk factors). Due to the frequency of the finding, it is not suitable as a screening measure for the early detection of tumors, as the incidence is about 1000 times higher than that of testicular tumors. With increasingly more sensitive methods (better ultrasound devices with higher resolution), the incidence continues to rise significantly.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ A b I. Tan, K. Ang, B. Ching et al .: Testicular microlithiasis predicts concurrent testicular germ cell tumors and intratubular germ cell neoplasia of adults unclassified type in: a meta-analysis and systematic review. In: Cancer. 116, 19, 2010, pp. 4520-4532.
  2. ↑ a b M. D. Michaelson, WKOh: Epidemiology of and risk factors for testicular germ cell tumors. In: UpToDate. March 2013 (full text, fee required)
  3. ↑ C. Kratzik: Sonographic incidental finding with particular emphasis on microlithiasis testis. In: Journal of Urology and Urogynaecology. 15 (special issue 5) (edition for Austria), 2008, pp. 11–12.
  4. ↑ H. Dagash, EA Mackinnon: microlithiasis Testicular: does what it mean clinically? In: BJU Int. 99, 2007, pp. 157-160.
  5. ^ BJ DeCastro, AC Peterson, RA Costabile: A 5-year followup study of asymptomatic men with testicular microlithiasis. In: J Urol. 179, 2008, pp. 1420-1423; discussion 1423.
  6. ↑ W. Middleton, S. Teefey, C. Santillan: Testicular microlithiasis: prospective analysis of prevalence and associated tumor. In: Radiology. 224, 2002, pp. 425-428.

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