Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
03:10
Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst
Published on: March 31, 2023
Testicular microlithiasis in patients with Down syndrome
Linda Vachon1, Gerard E Fareau, Miriam G Wilson
1Department of Radiology, Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. vachon@usc.edu
The Journal of Pediatrics
|August 5, 2006
Summary
Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is more common in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). This study found a 29% prevalence of TM in DS patients, compared to 7% in those without DS, highlighting a significant association.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is a condition associated with both benign and malignant testicular pathologies.
- Down syndrome (DS) is linked to an increased risk of testicular cancer.
- The prevalence of TM in individuals with DS requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis (TM) in patients with Down syndrome (DS).
- To evaluate how TM prevalence varies with age in patients with and without DS.
- To compare TM prevalence between DS patients and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of scrotal ultrasounds from 92 Latino patients with DS (newborn to 29.7 years) and 200 Latino controls (newborn to 18.3 years).
- Data collected between 1998 and 2004.
- Medical records were also reviewed.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of TM was significantly higher in patients with DS (29%) compared to controls (7%) (P < .0001).
- Most DS patients with TM (20/27) showed no clinical or historical testicular pathology.
- TM prevalence increased with age in both DS and control groups.
Conclusions:
- There is a significantly increased prevalence of testicular microlithiasis (TM) in individuals with Down syndrome (DS).
- The clinical implications of TM in the context of DS warrant further research.
More Related Videos
09:59Transillumination-Assisted Dissection of Specific Stages of the Mouse Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle for Downstream Immunostaining Analyses
Published on: October 7, 2020
09:18Extra Cellular Matrix-Based and Extra Cellular Matrix-Free Generation of Murine Testicular Organoids
Published on: October 7, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:49Meiosis I
Meiosis is a carefully orchestrated set of cell divisions, the goal of which—in humans—is to produce haploid sperm or eggs, each containing half the number of chromosomes present in somatic cells elsewhere in the body. Meiosis I is the first such division, and involves several key steps, among them: condensation of replicated chromosomes in diploid cells; the pairing of homologous chromosomes and their exchange of information; and finally, the separation of homologous chromosomes by a...
02:57Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:29Nondisjunction
During meiosis, chromosomes occasionally separate improperly. This occurs due to failure of homologous chromosome separation during meiosis I or failed sister chromatid separation during meiosis II. In some species, notably plants, nondisjunction can result in an organism with an entire additional set of chromosomes, which is called polyploidy. In humans, nondisjunction can occur during male or female gametogenesis and the resulting gametes possess one too many or one too few chromosomes.
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
The diagnosis of renal calculi involves several imaging techniques, including non-contrast CT scans and ultrasound. These methods help visualize kidney stones, assess their size and location, and detect possible obstructions. Additionally, Measuring urine pH is useful for diagnosing specific stone types, such as struvite (alkaline pH) and uric acid stones (acidic pH). Cystine stones are primarily linked to cystinuria, a genetic condition. A urinalysis helps detect blood in the urine (hematuria)...