[Histologic evaluation of testis in men with azoospermia in light of hormonal determination]

The causes of azoospermia may be of varied nature and are often difficult to determine. Generally, there are two morphological-clinical types of azoospermia. The first is due to the occlusion of the outgoing seminal tracts. The second is manifested by the lack of seminiferous epithelium, diagnosed on microscopic examination as acquired or primary Sertoli Cell Syndrome. In order to establish the distinctive features of both types of azoospermia a group of azoospermia--affected males underwent a morphological-biochemical analysis. 38 patients with azoospermia had surgical biopsy of testes, and hormonal determination of the pituitary gland and testis i.e. prolactin, LH, FSH, testosterone. Microscopic examination helped to select a group with Sertoli Cell Syndrome. This group exhibited statistically significant thickening of the basement membrane and FSH--levels markedly elevated in relation to both the norm and other azoospermia--affected patients. The above findings are in conformity with the recent research on the increase of FSH--level in azoospermia, and particular in Sertoli Cell Syndrome. They also confirm the validity of carrying out biopsies in the aforementioned clinical group because of the possibility of selecting patients for anastomosis of spermatic ducts or spermocele implantation. The fact that Sertoli Cell Syndrome is accompanied by a high FSH level could be utilized for the screening of patients for testes biopsy.