Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
03:10
Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst
Published on: March 31, 2023
Empty scrotum: undescended testis or ectopic?
Jose Filipe Lopes Vieira1, Gayatri Brahme, Nikila Pandya
1Department of Paediatrics, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Kent, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|August 10, 2013
Summary
A thorough newborn exam is crucial for detecting ectopic testes. Early recognition and intervention, even after initial misdiagnosis by ultrasound, prevent potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric surgery
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Undescended testicles, including ectopic testes, are common neonatal conditions.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for preventing long-term complications such as infertility and malignancy.
- Neonatal ultrasound is a key tool in diagnosing testicular abnormalities.
Observation:
- A newborn with a provisional diagnosis of unilateral undescended testicle underwent an ultrasound.
- The ultrasound scan failed to correctly identify the ectopic testicular position.
- The condition was incidentally discovered later, leading to a delayed diagnosis.
Findings:
- Ectopic testis can be challenging to diagnose with neonatal ultrasound.
- Clinical examination is vital for accurate diagnosis of testicular position.
- Delayed diagnosis of ectopic testis can result from imaging inaccuracies.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the need for meticulous newborn physical examinations.
- Highlights the importance of experienced interpretation of neonatal ultrasounds.
- Timely surgical correction of ectopic testis prevents potential complications like infertility.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Testes: Gross Anatomy
The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
01:27Testes: Histology
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
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...
01:16Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System
The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
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...