Related Experiment Videos
Acquired undescended testis
1Department of Urology, Yokohama City Seibu Hospital, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Summary
A rare case of acquired undescended testis in a 22-year-old man highlights the importance of regular testicular monitoring through puberty. This condition may result from abnormal spermatic cord growth after birth.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Undescended testis (cryptorchidism) is a common condition in infants, typically resolving spontaneously.
- Acquired undescended testis, where a previously descended testis ascends, is rare and poorly understood.
- The case involves a young adult with a history of normally descended testis at age 12.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old man presented with spontaneous ascent of his left testis to a non-scrotal position.
- Surgical exploration revealed an atrophic, undescended testis with a short spermatic cord.
- Abnormalities noted included a remnant processus vaginalis and aberrant gubernaculum attachment.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, indicative of end-stage germinal cell hypoplasia.
- This pathology is common in postpubertal undescended testes.
- The findings support the theory of postnatal failure of spermatic cord elongation.
Implications:
- Recommends diagnostic criteria for acquired undescended testis.
- Emphasizes the need for periodic testicular descent confirmation through puberty.
- Suggests acquired undescended testis may stem from disproportionate spermatic cord growth relative to body growth.