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Functional histology of human scrotal wall layers and their overlooked relation with infertility: a narrative review. Int J Impot Res 2022:10.1038/s41443-022-00573-5. [PMID: 35488082 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00573-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility currently contributes to nearly half of the reported infertility cases. Scrotal wall layers play a cardinal role in regulating testicular physiology. However, few studies have focused on the functional histology of these layers and their relations with infertility in humans. The objective of the present narrative review is to collate novel insights into the functional histology of the human scrotal wall layers and their relation with infertility. The data was extracted from articles published between 1946 and 2021. The study was performed between January and December 2021. 71 original studies have been included in this review. Despite the fact that few studies have presented detailed functional histology of the human scrotal wall layers, this narrative review elucidates the possible influence of scrotal histology on infertility. Scrotal wall layers-associated pathologies may induce infertility by various mechanisms. They can impose mechanical forces that may affect the testicular histology and stimulate testicular inflammation. Moreover, they may induce testicular hyperthermia. Various unanswered clinical questions have been identified in this narrative review. More clinical studies are needed to assess the effect of alterations in the components of the scrotal wall layers on fertility (e.g., due to the exposure to metabolic and/or psychological stressors). In addition, testing the effectiveness of various pharmacological/surgical interventions to treat scrotal wall layers-associated pathologies will provide more insights into infertility treatment.
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Ramm L, Guidry K, Cirilli A, Kurkowski E, Yu C. Critical Point-of-care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Fournier’s Gangrene: A Case Report. Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med 2022; 6:57-60. [PMID: 35226850 PMCID: PMC8885234 DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.2021.11.54849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fournier’s gangrene is a severe, necrotizing, and potentially fatal,
soft tissue infection of the perineum that can be difficult to diagnose
clinically. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has established a critical role
in emergency medicine as a quick diagnostic tool due to its safety,
accuracy, and cost effectiveness. Case Report We present a case in which POCUS was used to rapidly confirm diagnosis in an
unstable, severely septic patient presenting to the emergency department
with Fournier’s gangrene. Conclusion Point-of-care ultrasound can be used to make the diagnosis of
Fournier’s gangrene in critical patients when other diagnostic
modalities are not feasible due to a patient’s clinical state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Ramm
- St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonkers, New York
| | - Kayla Guidry
- St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonkers, New York
| | - Angela Cirilli
- St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonkers, New York
| | - Ellen Kurkowski
- St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonkers, New York
| | - Connie Yu
- St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonkers, New York
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Tsili AC, Bougia CK, Pappa O, Argyropoulou MI. Ultrasonography of the scrotum: Revisiting a classic technique. Eur J Radiol 2021; 145:110000. [PMID: 34741987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.110000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Conventional US is the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of the scrotum, due to its high resolution, availability, cost-effectiveness and absence of ionizing radiation. Grayscale and color Doppler US provide a comprehensive assessment of scrotal diseases. The technique represents the mainstay for imaging of acute scrotum. US is highly accurate in the detection, localization and characterization of scrotal masses. Multiparametric US, including conventional US, contrast-enhanced US and tissue elastography has improved the diagnostic performance of the technique in the assessment of testicular diseases. MRI represents a valuable supplemental imaging tool for the investigation of scrotal pathology, mainly recommended in cases of indeterminate US findings. Recommendations recently issued by the European Society of Urogenital Radiology Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group (ESUR-SPIWG) refer to the use of scrotal sonography for the evaluation of pathologic entities, including testicular microlithiasis, small, non-palpable incidentally detected testicular masses, varicocele and scrotal trauma. In this review, the technical specifications for scrotal US and the normal sonographic findings are presented. Grayscale and color Doppler US findings of common acute scrotal diseases and scrotal masses are discussed. The complimentary role of multiparametric US and scrotal MRI is addressed. ESUR-SPIWG's guidelines are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina C Tsili
- Department of Clinical Radiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Christina K Bougia
- Department of Clinical Radiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ourania Pappa
- Department of Clinical Radiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria I Argyropoulou
- Department of Clinical Radiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Bertolotto M, Cantisani V, Drudi FM, Lotti F. Varicocoele. Classification and pitfalls. Andrology 2021; 9:1322-1330. [PMID: 34038625 PMCID: PMC8596817 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Varicocoeles have been considered for a long time potentially correctable causes for male infertility, even though the correlation of this condition with infertility and sperm damage is still debated. Objective To present a summary of the evidence evaluation for imaging varicocoeles, to underline the need for a standardized examination technique and for a unique classification, and to focus on pitfalls in image interpretation. Methods Based on the evidence of the literature, the current role of ultrasound (US) imaging for varicocoeles has been reported and illustrated, with emphasis on examination technique, classification, and pitfalls. Results US is the imaging modality of choice. It is widely used in Europe, while in other countries clinical classification of varicocoeles is considered sufficient to manage the patient. A number of US classifications exist for varicocoeles, in which the examinnation is performed in different ways. Discussion An effort toward standardization is mandatory, since lack of standardization contributes to the confusion of the available literature, and has a negative impact on the understanding of the role itself of imaging in patients with varicocoeles. Conclusion Use of the Sarteschi/Liguori classification for varicocoeles is recommended, since it is the most complete and widely used US scoring system available today. Tubular extratesticular structures resembling varicocoeles, either at palpation or at US, should be identified and correctly characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bertolotto
- Department of Radiology, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Vito Cantisani
- Department of Radiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Drudi
- Department of Radiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Carreggi, Firenze, Italy
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Ultrasound evaluation of varicoceles: systematic literature review and rationale of the ESUR-SPIWG Guidelines and Recommendations. J Ultrasound 2020; 23:487-507. [PMID: 32720266 PMCID: PMC7588576 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-020-00509-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although often asymptomatic and detected incidentally, varicocele is a relatively common problem in patients who seek medical attention for infertility problems. Ultrasound (US) is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation, but there is no consensus on the diagnostic criteria, classification, and examination technique. In view of this uncertainty, the Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR-SPIWG) undertook a systematic review of the available literature on this topic, to use as the basis for evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. This paper provides the results of the systematic review on which guidelines were constructed.
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Freeman S, Bertolotto M, Richenberg J, Belfield J, Dogra V, Huang DY, Lotti F, Markiet K, Nikolic O, Ramanathan S, Ramchandani P, Rocher L, Secil M, Sidhu PS, Skrobisz K, Studniarek M, Tsili A, Tuncay Turgut A, Pavlica P, Derchi LE. Ultrasound evaluation of varicoceles: guidelines and recommendations of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group (ESUR-SPIWG) for detection, classification, and grading. Eur Radiol 2019; 30:11-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06280-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate the scrotum because of its high resolution, Doppler capabilities, availability, and lack of ionizing radiation. Acute urologic emergencies diagnosed with ultrasound include testicular torsion, testicular rupture, and Fournier gangrene. The radiologist's knowledge of sonographic features of vascular, infectious, traumatic, and benign and malignant processes that occur in the scrotum coupled with the patient's presenting symptoms, age, and physical examination allows for the correct diagnosis of a wide spectrum of scrotal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Rebik
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Garrison Tower, Suite 4G4250, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Jason M Wagner
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Garrison Tower, Suite 4G4250, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - William Middleton
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 South Kingshighway Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Bertolotto M, Muça M, Currò F, Bucci S, Rocher L, Cova MA. Multiparametric US for scrotal diseases. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2018; 43:899-917. [PMID: 29460046 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-018-1510-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Multiparametric US is increasingly recognized as a valuable problem-solving technique in scrotal pathologies. Compared to conventional Doppler modes, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has higher sensitivity in assessing the presence or absence of flows, and to improve differentiation between poorly vascularized tumors and non-neoplastic, avascular lesions. Characterization of benign and malignant complex cysts is improved. In trauma patients, CEUS can help evaluating the viability of testicular parenchyma. In patients with severe epididymo-orchitis, it allows unequivocal assessment of post-inflammatory ischemic changes and abscess formation. CEUS does not add significantly to conventional Doppler modes in spermatic cord torsion. Attempt of differentiating benign and malignant tumors remains a research tool. In the clinical practice, elastography has a limited role for tumor characterization. The majority of malignant tumors are stiff at elastography, but they may display soft areas, or appear globally soft. A quantitative evaluation of testicular stiffness is feasible using shear-wave elastography. Potential clinical applications for elastographic modes could include work-up of infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bertolotto
- Department of Radiology, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Matilda Muça
- Department of Radiology, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Currò
- Department of Radiology, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Bucci
- Department of Urology, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laurence Rocher
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital de Bicêtre, 78 Avenue du General Lecters, 94270, Paris, France
| | - Maria Assunta Cova
- Department of Radiology, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
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