[Testicular artery Doppler flow evaluation in men with degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules]

The aim of this study was to assess the eventual impact of degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules on Doppler flow parameters in testicular vessels.

There were 12 men with degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules (diagnosed by testicular biopsy) in study group and 24 healthy men with normal semen parameters in control group. Patients' age in both groups was respectively 32.22 +/- 5.31 and 29.64 +/- 3.17 (ns). Sonographic biometry of testes volume was performed and the values of qualitative flow indices in terminal section of testicular artery were evaluated. The both groups results were compared with themselves by T-test. Also the values of qualitative flow parameters in testis after biopsy and contralateral one were compared. Additionally the correlation between vascular flow parameters and selected hormone levels (FSH, LH, T, E2 and Prl) was determined.

The mean testes volume in the study group was 10.81 +/- 3.77 cm3 and in the control one 14.42 +/- 5.42 cm3 (ns). The values of particular flow indices in both study and control group were respectively: S:D 3.20 +/- 0.95 and 2.92 +/- 0.96 (ns), PI 1.46 +/- 0.46 and 1.23 +/- 0.41 (ns), RI 0.69 +/- 0.09 and 0.66 +/- 0.08 (ns). There were no differences between flow parameters in testis after biopsy and contralateral one. Testosterone was the only hormone correlating with analyzed flow indices (S:D, PI, RI) and the correlation coefficient value was respectively 0.51, 0.49 and 0.52 (p < 0.05).

The significant influence of degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules on vascular flow in testicular artery was not observed. There were no differences between flow parameters in testis after biopsy and contralateral one. The testosterone was the only hormone significantly correlating with analyzed flow indices.