[Morphologic and histopathologic analysis of testicular appendages]

Area of Science:

• Embryology
• Histopathology
• Urology

Context:

• Testicular appendages are embryonic remnants with clinical implications.
• Their incidence and origins require detailed investigation for better understanding.
• Scrotal surgery provides an opportunity to study these structures in vivo.

Purpose:

• To determine the incidence of various testicular appendages.
• To describe the morphology and histopathological origins of these structures.
• To compare the prevalence of testicular appendages between children and adults.

Summary:

• The study observed 67 testes, detecting appendix testis (80.6%), appendix epididymis (23.9%), paradidymis (1.5%), vas aberrans superior (3.0%), and vas aberrans inferior (1.5%).
• While overall incidence was similar between children and adults, the appendix testis and epididymis with pedicles were more frequent in children (82.4% vs 54.7%, P < 0.05).
• Histopathological analysis revealed the appendix testis arises from the paramesonephric duct, and the other four from the mesonephric duct.

Impact:

• Identifies five distinct embryonic remnants in testicular appendages.
• Clarifies the distinct embryological origins of the appendix testis versus other appendages.
• Highlights the clinical relevance of testicular appendages, particularly their predisposition to torsion.