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Trautwein LGC, Hidalgo MMT, Almeida ABMD, Haddad Neta J, Cardoso GS, Flaiban KKMDC, Silva VW, Dos Santos Silva LA, Martins MIM. Evaluation of the testicular artery Doppler velocimetry and its correlation with sperm defects in domestic cats. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 267:107515. [PMID: 38908170 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the correlation between Doppler velocimetric parameters of testicular artery and semen quality in domestic species, but in felines data are scarce. This study aimed to correlate the Doppler velocimetry of the testicular artery with sperm kinetics and sperm defects, in sedated and non-sedated cats. Forty tomcats were divided into two groups: sedated (SG; n=20) with dexmedetomidine (10 µm/kg) and ketamine (12 mg/kg), and non-sedated (NSG; n=20). The animals were subjected to ultrasound Doppler velocimetry of the distal supratesticular and marginal region of the testicular artery and subsequently orchiectomized. Epididymal tail spermatozoa were recovered and analyzed using a CASA system for motility, and morphology took place. Animals of SG presented a significantly higher velocity in the marginal region of the cat's testicular artery [peak systolic velocity (PSV) 11.51 cm/s; end-diastolic velocity (EDV) 7.72 cm/s] compared to NSG (PSV 7.72 cm/s, P < 0.001; EDV 4.93 cm/s, P < 0.001). Sedated cats presented higher pulsatility and resistivity indexes than non-sedated cats. The supratesticular PSV of NSG was moderately correlated with major (rs = 0621; P < 0.001) and total sperm defects (rs = 0614; P < 0001). Doppler velocimetry was fairly correlated with minor, major, and total sperm defects. In conclusion, Doppler velocimetric evaluation emerges as an important possibility in the reproductive evaluation of tomcats, once the testicular artery hemodynamics were associated with sperm defects. However, it is advisable to carry out this evaluation in non-sedated animals. If sedation is necessary, peripheral vasoconstriction should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jamile Haddad Neta
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Vinícius Wagner Silva
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
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Eurlings R, Killaars REM, Visschers RGJ, van Gemert WG. Testicular Vascularization after Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:409. [PMID: 38671625 PMCID: PMC11049011 DOI: 10.3390/children11040409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of pediatric inguinal hernia repair (IHR) on testicular vascularization remains unclear. Manipulating the spermatic cord during surgery may reduce blood flow due to edema and vasoconstriction. This can lead to testicular atrophy. The study aims to review current knowledge of testicular vascular impairment following IHR in children. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Methodological quality was assessed using validated tools. Data were extracted, and a pooled data analysis was performed. RESULTS Ten studies were included in the systematic review. Six of these studies were eligible for meta-analysis. This revealed a significant decrease in testicular vascularization during the short-term follow-up (1 day-1 week) after IHR using the open surgical approach. This decrease was not present after laparoscopic intervention. There was no more increased resistance in the vessels at long-term follow-up (1 month-6 months), suggesting that the impaired vascularity is only temporary. CONCLUSIONS There seems to be a short-term transient vascular impairment of the testis after open IHR in children. This might be of clinical relevance to prefer the laparoscopic approach for IHR in children, even though the open approach is the gold standard, in contrast to adult IHR. The impact on testicular function and sperm quality later in life remains unclear. Comparative studies of both techniques are needed to determine if there is a significant difference in testicular vascularity. Long-term studies are necessary to assess the impact of transiently reduced vascularity on sperm quality and fertility later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Eurlings
- Research Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, MosaKids Children’s Hospital, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne E. M. Killaars
- Research Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, MosaKids Children’s Hospital, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben G. J. Visschers
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, MosaKids Children’s Hospital, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- European Consortium of Pediatric Surgery (Maastricht University Medical Center+, Uniklinik Aachen, Centre Hospitalier Chrétien Liège), P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim G. van Gemert
- Research Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, MosaKids Children’s Hospital, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debyelaan 25, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- European Consortium of Pediatric Surgery (Maastricht University Medical Center+, Uniklinik Aachen, Centre Hospitalier Chrétien Liège), P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Bracco C, Gloria A, Contri A. Ultrasound-Based Technologies for the Evaluation of Testicles in the Dog: Keystones and Breakthroughs. Vet Sci 2023; 10:683. [PMID: 38133235 PMCID: PMC10747277 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool extensively used in the andrology of human and domestic animals, including dogs. This review aims to provide an overview of various technologies based on ultrasound, from the basic B-Mode ultrasonography to the more recent advancements, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and ultrasound elastography (UEl), all of which are utilized in the evaluation of canine testicles. The review outlines the principles behind each of these technologies and discusses their application in assessing normal and abnormal testicular conditions. B-mode canine testicular ultrasonography primarily focuses on detecting focal lesions but has limitations in terms of objectivity. Other technologies, including Doppler ultrasonography, B-Flow, and CEUS, allow for the characterization of vascular patterns, which could be further measured using specific applications like spectral Doppler or quantitative CEUS. Additionally, ultrasound elastography enables the assessment of parenchyma stiffness both qualitatively and quantitatively. These ultrasound-based technologies play a crucial role in andrology by providing valuable information for evaluating testicular function and integrity, aiding in the identification of pathological conditions that may impact the health and quality of life of male dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessia Gloria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.)
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Hegde M, Kanathur S, Shanmukhappa AG, Srinivas MR. Evaluation of Clinical, Hormonal and Ultrasound Parameters of Male Reproductive System in Leprosy: A Cross-Sectional Study. Indian J Dermatol 2023; 68:723. [PMID: 38371536 PMCID: PMC10869008 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_539_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Testicular involvement in leprosy is neglected as it is insidious and silent, although it can have an impact on quality of life. Our study aimed at evaluating and estimating the frequency of the hormonal, radiological and clinical parameters in these patients. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted including 31 male leprosy patients attending our OPD. After detailed clinical assessment, patients were subjected to ultrasonological with Doppler examination of the scrotum and hormonal evaluation by ELISA technique for serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and total testosterone. Results Thirty-one patients were included with ages ranging from 19 to 54 with a mean of 34 years. Decreased libido (19.3%) was significantly observed in the abnormal FSH (P < 0.01) and testosterone (P < 0.01) groups. The majority of the clinical findings such as erectile dysfunction, infertility and altered pubic hair pattern were seen in the lepromatous spectrum. Six (19.6%) patients had increased LH and FSH. Twenty-three (74%) had testicular atrophy (<12 ml) as assessed by USG. There was a significant association between the bilateral decreased testicular volumes (TVs) and FSH (P = 0.016 on the left and P < 0.01 on the right). Four of 31 patients had altered testicular echo texture of which two belong to the BL spectrum. The increase in the resistive index (RI) corresponded significantly to the decreased TV (P < 0.01) albeit on the left side only. Conclusion A sizeable proportion (74%) of the study sample had testicular atrophy. The significant association between increased RI and testicular atrophy, especially in patients with infertility, emphasises the ancillary role of Doppler indices in methodical diagnosis. Risk factors noted in the study include increased bacillary index, delayed initiation of treatment and recurrent ENL. Early detection, early initiation of MDT and specific therapies such as testosterone replacement can help improve the quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasa Hegde
- From the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shilpa Kanathur
- From the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Asha G. Shanmukhappa
- From the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - MR Srinivas
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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5
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Neila-Montero M, Alvarez M, Riesco MF, Montes-Garrido R, Palacin-Martinez C, Silva-Rodríguez A, Martín-Cano FE, Peña FJ, de Paz P, Anel L, Anel-Lopez L. Ovine fertility by artificial insemination in the breeding season could be affected by intraseasonal variations in ram sperm proteomic profile. Theriogenology 2023; 208:28-42. [PMID: 37290145 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is important to note that seasonality could affect ram reproductive parameters, and therefore, fertility results after artificial insemination. In this work, 1) we assessed fertility rates after cervical artificial insemination of 11,805 ewes at the beginning (June 21st to July 20th) and at the end (November 20th to December 21st) of the reproductive season in the Assaf breed for the last four years, and 2) we aimed to identify male factors influencing the different reproductive success obtained depending on the time at the mating season in which ovine artificial insemination was performed. For this purpose, we evaluated certain ram reproductive and ultrasonographical parameters as well as we performed a multiparametric and proteomic sperm analysis of 6-19 rams at two very distant points in the mating season (July as Early Breeding Season -EBS- and November as Late Breeding Season -LBS-). Rutinary assessments carried out in the ovine reproduction centers (testicular volume, libido, sperm production and mass motility) showed non-significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between both studied times, as well as the ram ultrasonographic evaluation (Resistive and Pulsatility Index as Doppler parameters; and pixels mean gray level, and hypoechoic areas percentage and density as echotexture parameters). However, at level of sperm functionality, although sperm quality appeared non-significantly lower (P ≥ 0.05) in the EBS, we identified a significantly different (P < 0.05) sperm proteomic profile between the seasonality points. The following proteins were identified with the lowest abundance in the EBS with a fold change > 4, a P = 2.40e-07, and a q = 2.23e-06: Fibrous Sheath-Interacting Protein 2, Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Domain-Containing Protein 20-like, Phosphoinositide-Specific Phospholipase C, Tektin 5, Armadillo Repeat-Containing Protein 12 Isoform X3, Solute Carrier Family 9B1, Radial Spoke Head Protein 3 Homolog, Pro-Interleukin-16, NADH Dehydrogenase [Ubiquinone] 1 Alpha Subcomplex Subunit 8, Testis, Prostate and Placenta-Expressed Protein, and Acyl Carrier Protein Mitochondrial. In conclusion, while our basic analyses on male and sperm quality showed similar results between the beginning and the end of the breeding season, on a proteomic level we detected a lower expression of sperm proteins linked to the energy metabolism, sperm-oocyte interactions, and flagellum structure in the EBS. Probably, this different protein expression could be related to the lower fertility rate of Assaf ewes after cervical artificial insemination at this time. More importantly, sperm proteins can be used as highly effective molecular markers in predicting sperm fertilization ability related to intraseasonal variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Neila-Montero
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Marta F Riesco
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain.
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Antonio Silva-Rodríguez
- Facility of Innovation and Analysis in Animal Source Foodstuffs, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco E Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
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Venianaki AP, Barbagianni MS, Fthenakis GC, Galatos AD, Gouletsou PG. Doppler Examination of the Testicular Artery of Beagle-Breed Dogs from Birth to Puberty. Tomography 2023; 9:1408-1422. [PMID: 37489480 PMCID: PMC10366859 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The objectives were (a) the study of haemodynamic parameters of blood flow within the testicular artery, (b) the assessment of differences in these parameters at different segments of the artery (i.e., sequentially, as the artery flows through different regions of the testis), and (c) the identification of potential associations with measures of testicular maturation. Eight healthy beagle-breed male dogs were monitored at fortnightly intervals from the 4th to the 40th week of life, by using clinical, seminological, and ultrasonographic (B-mode, pulsed-wave Doppler) examinations. Haemodynamic parameters were assessed at four different segments of the testicular artery: at the distal supra-testicular, the marginal testicular at the cranial pole of the testis, the marginal testicular at the caudal pole of the testis, and the intratesticular. The study period was divided into three time slots (pre-puberty, puberty, and post-puberty) depending on testicular maturation and sperm production. No clinically evident abnormalities were seen in any animal throughout the study. Semen ejaculates were first collected on the 28th week, and spermatozoa were first seen on the 30th week of life. The results of B-mode examination indicated that in all dogs, the echogenicity of the testicular parenchyma was homogeneous. The waveforms of the blood flow in the testicular artery were monophasic with systolic peaks, low diastolic flow, and low vascular resistance. Most cases of significant differences between the three age periods were noted for the comparison of the pre-pubertal to pubertal periods (n = 11); among the parameters studied, the blood volume (n = 9) showed most instances of significant differences; finally, most cases of significant differences were noted in the distal supra-testicular artery (n = 12). Correlations were mainly seen for the end diastolic velocity, the peak systolic velocity and the blood volume (each with two semen evaluation parameters). The distal supra-testicular and the marginal artery at the cranial pole of the testis are recommended as the most appropriate segments of the vessel for performing a Doppler examination in the testicular artery due to the adequate size and the clear spectral waveforms as early as the 12th week of age of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina P Venianaki
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Mariana S Barbagianni
- Clinic of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - Apostolos D Galatos
- Clinic of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Pagona G Gouletsou
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
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Samir H, El-Shalofy AS, El-Sherbiny HR. Effects of a single dose of long-acting FSH on testicular blood flow, testicular echotexture, and circulating testosterone, estradiol, and nitric oxide in rams during the non-breeding season. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2023; 82:106765. [PMID: 36219897 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of a single administration of long-acting follicle simulation hormone (FSH) on testicular blood perfusion as measured by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography, testicular echotexture, and circulating testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and nitric oxide (NO) in the plasma of rams in the non-breeding season. Twelve Ossimi rams were subjected to either a single administration of long-acting FSH subcutaneously (FSH group; n = 6) or the vehicle (control group; n = 6). Assessment of testicular hemodynamics at the level of the supratesticular artery was performed just before administration (0 h), and at 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 168 h after FSH or the vehicle administrations. Testicular volume (TV), and echotexture of testicular parenchyma including pixel intensity and heterogeneity were derived by the computer analysis software. Concentrations of T, E2, and NO were measured using commercial kits. Results revealed significant decreases (P ˂ 0.05) in the values of Doppler indices (resistive index: RI and pulsatility index: PI), especially at 48 h after administration of FSH (RI: 0.42 ± 0.02, PI: 0.56 ± 0.04) compared to their values in the control group (RI: 0.54 ± 0.03, PI: 0.77 ± 0.04). FSH administration induced significant decreases (P ˂ 0.05) in the pixel intensity of testicular parenchyma. Testicular volume and T concentrations were not significantly changed (P ˃ 0.05). Concentrations of E2 increased significantly (P ˂ 0.05) at 48 h and 72 h after FSH administration. (30.07 ± 5.23 pg/ml, 29.93 ± 1.44 pg/ml, respectively) compared to their values before FSH administration (14.63 ± 1.37 pg/ml). Concentrations of NO increased significantly (P ˂ 0.05) in the FSH group between 4 h to 48 h compared to the values in the control one. In conclusion, a single administration of long-acting FSH enhanced testicular blood perfusion as measured by pulsed Doppler ultrasonography in rams during the non-breeding season. Concurrently, significant increases in the concentrations of E2 and NO were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Samir
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt.
| | - A S El-Shalofy
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - H R El-Sherbiny
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
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Ok F, Durmus E, Ayaz M. The role of the resistive index in predicting testicular atrophy after orchiopexy in unilateral undescended testis. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 39:38. [PMID: 36480074 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE One of the most important complications of undescended testis (UDT) surgery is testicular atrophy (TA). We aimed to investigate the factors associated with TA in children who underwent orchiopexy for unilateral UDT. METHODS The data of 215 patients aged < 15 years who underwent orchiopexy for unilateral UDT between November 2019 and September 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical, radiological, surgical, and follow-up findings were recorded. RESULTS TA was observed in 29 (13.5%) patients. Mean resistive index (RI) values were 0.44 ± 0.06, 0.54 ± 0.09 and 0.69 ± 0.1 in low, middle and high testicular locations, respectively, and intratesticular RI increased significantly as the testis location raised (p < 0.001). After orchiopexy, the mean testis volume ratio (TVR) increased significantly (0.63 ± 0.13 vs. 0.77 ± 0.15, p < 0.001). Besides, the mean RI values decreased significantly in the postoperative follow-up (0.53 ± 0.12 vs. 0.47 ± 0.13, p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, testicular high location (OR 4.332, 95% CI 2.244-6.578, p = 0.002), deferens-epididymal anomaly (OR 3.134, 95% CI 1.345-7.146, p = 0.021), TVR ≤ 0.5 (OR 5.679, 95% CI 2.953-12.892, p < 0.001) and RI ≥ 0.6 (OR 7.158, 95% CI 3.936-14.569, p < 0.001) were independent predictive factors for TA after orchiopexy. CONCLUSION Higher testis location, deferens-epididymis anomaly, preoperative TVR and RI were independent predictive factors for TA after orchiopexy in unilateral UDT. The results of the study will help surgeons to predict TA before orchiopexy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fesih Ok
- Department of Urology, Siirt Training and Research Hospital, 56100, Siirt, Turkey.
| | - Emrullah Durmus
- Department of Urology, Siirt Training and Research Hospital, 56100, Siirt, Turkey
| | - Muzaffer Ayaz
- Department of Radiology, Siirt Training and Research Hospital, 56100, Siirt, Turkey
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9
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The Use of Doppler Ultrasonography in the Examination of Testicles in Dogs. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2022-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Doppler ultrasonography is method suitable for observing and measuring the blood supply of many organs. Its principle is the change in the frequency of wave blood that moves with respect to the source of the wave (probe). In a testicular examination, the use of Doppler can also be very useful for detecting abnormalities or pathological conditions. The aim is just to characterize the flow in arteria testicularis in clinically healthy dogs aged 1-5 years. Twelve dogs were included in the study, of which 6 were rough collies weighing approximately 23 kg and 6 were standard dachshunds weighing approximately 9 kg. The pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of a.testicularis, as well as the dimensions of the testicles - height and depth, were assessed by ultrasonographic examination using the ALOKA ProSound Alpha 6 ultrasonographic device (Hitachi-Aloka, Japan). The statistical evaluation of the results shows that the differences between the averages of both measurements of PI and RI indices are highly significant, so the weight of the individual had a high effect on the measured values of PI and RI indices. The depth of the testicles was also directly related to the increasing values of PI and RI indices and to the weight of the dogs, in contrast to their height, which did not show any statistical significance in this respect. The measured values and findings may in the future also serve as a basis for determining reference values in testicular ultrasonography according to the weight of dogs, which may be beneficial in clinical status assessment, diagnosis of various pathological conditions, or predicting spermatogenesis and fertility of the individuals.
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Montes-Garrido R, Riesco MF, Anel-Lopez L, Neila-Montero M, Palacin-Martinez C, Boixo JC, de Paz P, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Hassan MAA, Anel L, Alvarez M. Application of ultrasound technique to evaluate the testicular function and its correlation to the sperm quality after different collection frequency in rams. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1035036. [PMID: 36504850 PMCID: PMC9732105 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1035036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequency of semen collection is a crucial factor to consider in the rams performance inside breeding centers workout. To evaluate this factor, ram Breeding Soundness Evaluation could include sperm quality evaluation and new predictive and non-invasive tools such as ultrasound technique. In this work, an advanced ultrasonography technology, analyzing the testicular volume, echotexture, and vascular function, was used in three different frequencies of semen collection (abstinence frequency, AF; standard frequency, SF; and intensive frequency, IF). Semen samples were cooled (15°C, 6 h) and evaluated in terms of production, motility, viability, apoptosis, and content of reactive oxygen species. Correlation coefficients were calculated between ultrasonography measurements of echotexture and blood flow and sperm quality parameters. Our results showed an increase in the testicular echotexture when the frequency of semen collection was intensified. Doppler parameters (PSV, RI, PI, TABF) increased (P ≤ 0.05) when the frequency of semen collection was intensified. The sperm motility and functionality decreased in the samples of IF (P ≤ 0.05), evidencing the frequency of semen collection's influence. Moreover, moderate positive correlations were established among echotexture and different Doppler parameters with motility parameters in SF. Furthermore, the influence of abstinence days on AI success was analyzed in a field assay. The highest fertility rates were obtained when males had two to five abstinence days. To conclude, frequency of semen collection could be influenced in terms of semen quantity and sperm quality, showing changes in parenchyma echotexture and testicular vascularization. The standard semen collection frequency was the most adequate option. In addition, ultrasonography may be a predictive tool for estimating variations in the sperm quality of donor rams subjected to different frequencies of semen collection in reproduction centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Marta F. Riesco
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Celular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain,*Correspondence: Luis Anel-Lopez
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Boixo
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Celular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Mohamed A. A. Hassan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Luis Anel
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Investigación en Técnicas de Reproducción Asistida – Universidad de León, Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal, University of León, León, Spain,Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
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11
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Samir H, ElSayed MI, Radwan F, Hedia M, Hendawy H, Hendawy AO, Elbadawy M, Watanabe G. An updated insight on testicular hemodynamics: Environmental, physiological, and technical perspectives in farm and companion animals. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:323-345. [DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In all organs, control of blood flow is important but might be particularly critical for testicular functions. This is because of the very low oxygen concentration and high metabolic rate of the seminiferous tubules, the physiological temperature of the testis, and its location outside the abdominal cavity. Many factors affect the characteristics of TBF in farm and companion animals, such as environment (thermal and seasonal effects) and physiological (species, breeds, age, body weight, and sexual maturity). Thermal environment stress has detrimental effects on spermatogenesis and consequently has more serious impacts on both human and animal fertility. Numerous studies have been performed to assess TBF in different animal species including bulls, rams, bucks, alpacas, stallions, and dogs with varied results. Hence, assessment of TBF by Doppler ultrasonography is of great importance to estimate the effect of high environment temperature on testicular functions. Also, differences observed in the TBF may result from different technical aspects such as the identification of the segment of the testicular artery to be examined. In the current review, we focused on the imperative roles of TBF in various animal species. Besides, we discussed in detail various factors that could affect TBF. These factors can significantly modify the TBF and thus should be considered when establishing reference values in farm animals for better clinical diagnosis. The information provided in this review is valuable for researchers and veterinarians to help them a better understanding of testicular hemodynamics for the proper evaluation of breeding soundness examination in males.
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12
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Sihag P, Tandon A, Pal R, Bhatt S, Sinha A, Sumbul M. Sonography in male infertility: a useful yet underutilized diagnostic tool. J Ultrasound 2022; 25:675-685. [PMID: 35038143 PMCID: PMC9402860 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-021-00646-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the utility of comprehensive sonographic examination including scrotal sonography, Testicular Doppler and Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) to evaluate the male reproductive system and differentiate between obstructive (OG) and non-obstructive (NOG) causes of azoospermia. METHODS 30 infertile men with azoospermia and 30 control subjects with normospermia underwent sonographic evaluation. FNAC/biopsy findings were used for assigning a final diagnosis of obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia. Qualitative and quantitative imaging parameters were retrospectively compared between the groups using Chi-square/Fisher's exact test and unpaired t-test, respectively. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Ectasia of rete testis/epididymal tubules, altered epididymal echogenicity, dilated terminal vas deferens were significantly more common in OG while inhomogeneous testicular echo-texture and reduced testicular vascularity were more common in NOG (P < 0.05). Testicular volume and epididymal head size were significantly higher in OG than in NOG and controls (18.2 ml/10 mm Vs 8.2 ml/7.2 mm and 13.4 ml/8.8 mm respectively; P < 0.05); while Resistive Index (RI) of intra-testicular vessels was higher in NOG as compared to OG and controls (0.65 vs 0.54 and 0.52 respectively; P < 0.05). On ROC curve analysis, cut-off values of testicular volume (AUC: 0.939; P < 0.001), epididymal head size (AUC: 0.772; P = 0.001) and testicular RI (AUC: 0.761; P = 0.001) to differentiate between the groups were 12.1 ml (sensitivity-94.4%; specificity-83.3%), 9 mm (sensitivity-66.7%; specificity-71%) and 0.62 (sensitivity-62%; specificity-100%) respectively. CONCLUSION Comprehensive sonographic evaluation can be used to differentiate obstructive from non-obstructive infertility and should be routinely incorporated in the diagnostic workup of infertile men with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Sihag
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
| | - Anupama Tandon
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Raj Pal
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Shuchi Bhatt
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Arpita Sinha
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Murtaza Sumbul
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India
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13
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Ruiz S, Gardón JC, Hernández-Caravaca I, Luongo C, García-Vázquez FA. Analysis of Uterine Blood Flow in Breeding Sows through the Estrus and Early Diestrus, and after Artificial Insemination. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060260. [PMID: 35737312 PMCID: PMC9228517 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine uterine blood flow indices by transabdominal Doppler ultrasound in sows (n = 18) under different conditions: (i) sows after estrus detection (day 0, D0); (ii) sows 2 h after artificial insemination (AI), performed 24 h after detection of estrus (day 1, D1); (iii) sows in early diestrus (day 5, D5). Moreover, three different types of seminal doses were used for AI depending on the ejaculate fraction included (F1: doses containing only the rich fraction of the ejaculate; F2: F1 + the transition fraction between rich and poor fractions; F3: F2 and poor fraction). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in some indices regarding the period of analysis (D0, D1, and D5). Diastolic velocity and mean velocity showed lower values at D5 in comparison with D0 and D1 (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the pulsatility index and the relationship systolic velocity/diastolic velocity indicated higher values at D5 in comparison with D0 and D1 (p < 0.01). No differences were observed regarding the type of seminal dose used in any of the time points analyzed (p > 0.05). Neither insemination per se nor the type of ejaculate fraction used immediately modified the uterine vascularity, but some indices are affected by the stage of the estrus cycle (estrus vs. early diestrus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Ruiz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (S.R.); (C.L.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Juan Carlos Gardón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary and Experimental Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia-San Vicente Mártir, Guillem de Castro 106, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Iván Hernández-Caravaca
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain;
- Departamento de Enfermería Comunitaria, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública e Historia de la Ciencia, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Campus de Sant Vicent del Raspeig, E-03080 Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Chiara Luongo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (S.R.); (C.L.)
| | - Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (S.R.); (C.L.)
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Virgen de la Arrixaca), 30120 Murcia, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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14
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Kozłowska N, Faundez R, Borzyszkowski K, Dąbrowski S, Jasiński T, Domino M. The Relationship between the Testicular Blood Flow and the Semen Parameters of Rams during the Selected Periods of the Breeding and Non-Breeding Seasons. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060760. [PMID: 35327158 PMCID: PMC8944436 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to conduct advanced semen evaluation tests during routine ram examination periods in the breeding and non-breeding seasons and to investigate their correlation with the dynamics of testicular blood flow. Semen was collected from eighteen rams, and pulse wave Doppler examination before (BBS), during (BS), and after the breeding season (ABS). Routine and advanced semen analysis, including computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD), and motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), were conducted. In Doppler ultrasonography, the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. In BS period, high sperm concentration (p < 0.0001) and total sperm number/ejaculate (p = 0.008) were noted. During the BBS period, a low percentage of forwarding motility (p = 0.017) and high sperm abnormalities (p = 0.005) were found. Also during this period, both SCD and MSOME revealed high sperm DNA fragmentation (p < 0.0001) and signs of vacuolization (Grade II-IV, p < 0.05). The advanced features of higher sperm abnormalities (Grade IV of MSOME) correlated with an increase RI (ρє <0.60;0.61>) and PI (ρє <0.46;0.52>), whereas the basic percentage of sperm abnormalities correlated with the EDV (ρє <0.44;0.73>) value. One may conclude that the current preliminary study requires further research concerning the monthly examination of a ram to provide full yearly characteristics of the relation between advanced semen evaluation tests and the dynamics of testicular blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kozłowska
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (N.K.); (S.D.); (T.J.)
| | - Ricardo Faundez
- InviMed Fertility Clinics, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (M.D.); Tel.: +48-22-593-61-91 (M.D.)
| | | | - Sebastian Dąbrowski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (N.K.); (S.D.); (T.J.)
| | - Tomasz Jasiński
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (N.K.); (S.D.); (T.J.)
| | - Małgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (N.K.); (S.D.); (T.J.)
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (M.D.); Tel.: +48-22-593-61-91 (M.D.)
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15
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Da Silva-Álvarez E, Ortiz-Rodríguez J, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Serres C, García-Rodríguez B, Gutiérrez-Cepeda L, Martín- Cano F, Echegaray A, Escartin-Casas N, Requena F, Gil M, Peña F, Ortega-Ferrusola C. Evaluation of testicular echotexture with Ecotext as a diagnostic method of testicular dysfunction in stallions. Theriogenology 2022; 185:50-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Zhang J, Yang X, Zhang C, Li H, Zhao Y, Ku C, Qi L, Bai Y, Yang L, Zhang H, Yue D, Wei W, Yu H. Testicular blood supply and growth in children with high cryptorchidism treated with gubernaculum preserving vs. cutting laparoscopic orchiopexy: A pilot trial. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:835.e1-835.e6. [PMID: 34706835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is still controversial whether the frenum of testis should be retained in laparoscopic testicular fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS It is a prospective experiment to study testicular preservation on testicular growth in children with high cryptorchidism. RESULTS From January 2018 to June 2020, 120 children with high cryptorchidism in Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital and The Fourth Hospital of Baotou were randomly divided into retention group (60 cases in group P, aged 1-3 years, average 1.85 ± 0.58) and cutting group (60 cases in group C, aged 1-3 years, average 1.75 ± 0.66) (P = 0.52). PSV, EDV, RI and testicular volume were measured by color Doppler ultrasound before operation and 1,3,6,12 months after operation. No, there was significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is no significant difference in testicular blood supply and growth between laparoscopic testicular fixation and frenulum amputation in children with high cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Zhang
- Pediatric Surgery, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huhehaote, Inner Mongolia, 010020, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Pediatric Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Baotou, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014030, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Pediatric Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Baotou, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014030, China
| | - Haowei Li
- Pediatric Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Baotou, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014030, China
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- Pediatric Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Baotou, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014030, China
| | - Chaosheng Ku
- Pediatric Surgery, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huhehaote, Inner Mongolia, 010020, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Pediatric Surgery, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huhehaote, Inner Mongolia, 010020, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Pediatric Surgery, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huhehaote, Inner Mongolia, 010020, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Pediatric Surgery, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huhehaote, Inner Mongolia, 010020, China
| | - Hailong Zhang
- Pediatric Surgery, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huhehaote, Inner Mongolia, 010020, China
| | - Dongqing Yue
- Medical Imaging Department, The Fourth Hospital of Baotou, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014030, China
| | - Wenfeng Wei
- Pediatric Surgery, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huhehaote, Inner Mongolia, 010020, China
| | - Haibin Yu
- Pediatric Surgery, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huhehaote, Inner Mongolia, 010020, China.
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Diagnostic accuracy of resistive index of capsular and intratesticular branches of testicular arteries in infertile men with oligoasthenospermia: A case-control study. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2021; 10:18-22. [PMID: 33854930 PMCID: PMC7735981 DOI: 10.37796/2211-8039.1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Male infertility accounts for nearly 50% of couples' infertility. Only a few studies evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of resistive index (RI) of testicular arteries using color Doppler imaging to identify male infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of RI of the capsular and intratesticular branches of testicular arteries in infertile men with oligoasthenospermia and its comparison with normal men. Material and methods In a case-control study, 30 patients with oligoasthenospermia (case group) and 30 healthy controls who meet the inclusion criteria, were selected. For all patients, RI was measured using color Doppler ultrasonography in upper and lower testicular poles. Also, testicular volumes were measured for all participants. Results Mean RI of the intratesticular artery (0.624 ± 0.051 versus 0.509 ± 0.054; P < 0.001) and capsular artery (0.663 ± 0.057 versus 0.557 ± 0.055; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the case group compared to control group. The frequency of abnormal RI of intratesticular artery in the control (13.3%) and case (66.7%) groups were significantly different (OR: 13.0; 95% CI: 3.44-47.59; P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and overall accuracy (OA) of intratesticular artery RI were 66.67%, 86.67%, 83.33%, 72.22%, and 76.67%, respectively. The frequency of abnormal RI of capsular artery was 23.3% in the control group and 90.0% in the case group (OR: 29.57; 95% CI: 6.85-127.63; P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and OA of capsular artery RI were 90.0%, 76.67%, 79.41%, 88.46% and 83.33%, respectively. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that assessing testicular Doppler RI of capsular and intratesticular branches of the testicular arteries, as a bio-imaging biomarker, may be a valuable non-invasive and simple complementary diagnostic modality with a high diagnostic value in identifying infertile men with oligoasthenospermia.
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18
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Brito MM, da Rosa Filho RR, Losano JDA, Vannucchi CI. Ageing changes testes and epididymis blood flow without altering biometry and echodensity in dogs. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 228:106745. [PMID: 33770706 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Senescence leads to deleterious effects in testicular function, sperm quality and fertility in dogs. There, however, are no consistent results of vascular changes in the testes and epididymis during natural ageing in dogs. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare testes and epididymis blood flow, biometry and echodensity between young and senile dogs. Ten young dogs (1-4 years) and eight senile dogs (over 7 years) were selected and assigned to two experimental groups: Young Group and Senile Group. Dogs were evaluated using testicular and epididymis B-mode (dimensions and echodensity) and Doppler ultrasonography (tissue perfusion parameters and blood flow velocity of the testicular artery). There were no differences between experimental groups for the echographic evaluation of testicular and epididymis parenchyma and biometric variables. The dogs in the Young Group had greater (P = 0.02) testes vascularization score and greater (P = 0.06) testicular artery blood flow velocity than those in the Senile Group. Furthermore, the older dogs had a greater (P = 0.06) pulsatility index of the testicular artery than those in the Young Group. Ageing, therefore, seems to cause natural hemodynamical changes to the testicular artery, resulting in reduced blood flow (ischemia) and tissue damage. Testes and epididymis vascular characteristics, therefore, may represent the causal factors for changes in spermatogenesis and, as a consequence, negatively affect the sperm quality of older dogs. In conclusion, senescence alters testicular artery blood flow and vascularization of the testes, without changing testicular and epididymis ultrasonographic dimensions and echodensity in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Morales Brito
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Roberto Rodrigues da Rosa Filho
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - João Diego Agostini Losano
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Camila Infantosi Vannucchi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Rua Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil.
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Abdelnaby EA, Emam IA, Fadl AM. Assessment of the accuracy of testicular dysfunction detection in male donkey (Equus asinus) with the aid of colour-spectral Doppler in relation to plasma testosterone and serum nitric oxide levels. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:764-774. [PMID: 33595865 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the usefulness of colour and pulsed Doppler modes for the accurate diagnosis of donkeys suffering from subfertility to determine whether testicular vascularity assessment could be an indicator for sperm functionality. The study sample was composed of 10 male donkeys with normospermia (control group) and 10 donkeys with hypospermia. Animals underwent scrotal circumference measurement, testicular Doppler examination, seminal evaluation, blood sampling and hormonal assay. Semen volume and concentration were significantly (p ≤ .05) lower in the subfertile group (30.25 ± 1.22 ml and 89.44 ± 2.55 × 106 /ml) as compared with the control group (82.76 ± 1.65 ml and 452.78 ± 1.25 × 106 /ml), and total sperm/ejaculation was significantly (p ≤ .05) higher in the normal donkeys (28.30 ± 2.32 × 109 /total ejaculated) as compared with the subfertile group. Intratesticular coloured area showed a marked decline in the hypospermic males. There was no significant difference between the two groups in testosterone level, although the normal group showed an increase in nitric oxide metabolites. Both Doppler indices of the three branches of the testicular artery were elevated significantly (p ≤ .05) in abnormal donkeys, whereas Doppler peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities were increased in the normal group. Male donkeys with subfertility demonstrated lower arterial vascularity parameters in the form of intratesticular coloured area and blood flow rate; therefore, the most optimal parameters for differentiating subfertile hypospermic from normospermic donkeys were found to be the two Doppler indices, velocities parameters, testicular blood flow rate and nitric oxide levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elshymaa A Abdelnaby
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim A Emam
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Aya M Fadl
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Le MT, Nguyen DN, Tam Nguyen TT, Nguyen VQH, Pham CK, Le DD, Cao NT. Should Scrotal Color Doppler Ultrasound Be Routinely Indicated in Fertility Evaluation of Non-Azoospermic Men? Curr Urol 2021; 14:211-218. [PMID: 33488340 DOI: 10.1159/000499236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Scrotal ultrasound is not a routine investigation in the clinical approach to male infertility analysis. This study aims to identify the role of testicular Doppler ultrasound in male infertility assessment and its relation to semen parameters in non-azoospermic men. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive analysis of 558 men from infertile couples were examined at the Hue Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue University Hospital from June 2016 to May 2018. Some cohort characteristics, semen analysis and testicular Doppler ultrasound were analyzed. Men with acute systemic diseases, acute urinary tract infection, hepatic dysfunction, malignant diseases, retrograde ejaculation, cryptorchidism or azoospermia were excluded. Results The mean volumes of the right and left testicles were 8.87 and 8.77 ml, respectively. The total volume of the 2 sides was 17.63 ± 4.34 ml (95% confidence interval 17.27-18.00 ml). The mean right resistive index (RI) was 0.61 ± 0.23, and the mean left RI was 0.59 ± 0.01. The rate of normal semen quality was 23.2% in group with varicocele and 30.6% in group with non-varicocele. The ultrasound results from the normal semen group were much different from those of the abnormal semen group regarding testicular volume: mean right testis volume: 9.67 ± 1.88 vs. 8.75 ± 2.34 ml, p = 0.0096; mean left testis volume: 9.54 ± 1.78 vs. 8.51 ± 2.44 ml, p = 0.0047; mean total volume of 2 sides: 19.21 ± 3.60 vs. 17.26 ± 4.59 ml, p = 0.005 (varicocele group); mean right testis volume: 9.21 ± 2.21 vs. 8.63 ± 2.21 ml, p = 0.029 (non-varicocele group). The other indexes of color Doppler ultrasound (peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, RI) were not found to correlate with semen quality. Conclusions Testicular volume which has a close relation to the semen parameters could be used as a clinical prediction factor for the quality of semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Tam Le
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue, Vietnam.,Department of OBGYN, Hue, Vietnam
| | | | - Thi Thanh Tam Nguyen
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | | | - Chi Kong Pham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Danang Women and Children Hospital, Danang, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Duong Le
- Department of Public Health, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Thanh Cao
- Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Hue, Vietnam.,Department of OBGYN, Hue, Vietnam
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21
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Ates F, Durmaz MS, Sara HI, Kara T. Comparison of testicular vascularity via superb microvascular imaging in varicocele patients with contralateral normal testis and healthy volunteers. J Ultrasound 2021; 25:59-65. [PMID: 33409864 PMCID: PMC8964885 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-020-00553-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aimed to determine vascular changes in the testes in patients with varicocele using the two-dimensional color superb microvascular imaging vascular index (2DcSMIVI) and compared them with those of the normal contralateral testes of the same patients as well as the normal testes of control subjects without varicocele. METHODS A total of 114 participants and 228 testes were included in the study. 63 patients with varicocele and 51 asymptomatic volunteers were included. In total, 70 testes with varicocele (group A), 56 normal contralateral testes (Group B), and 102 bilateral normal testes were classified (Group C). Participants' testicular volume and 2DcSMIVI values were obtained via superb microvascular imaging. Testes with varicocele were graded according to Sarteschi classification. RESULTS Statistically significant differences in mean testicular volume were observed among the three groups. The volume and 2DcSMIVI values of the varicocele side testes were significantly lower than those of groups B and C. Significant differences were also observed between Sarteschi grade and 2DcSMIVI values in group A. CONCLUSION We can determine impaired microcirculation of varicocele side testes quantitatively with the 2DcSMIVI technique, and obtained VI values can be used effectively in diagnosis and follow-up of the damage in testes. Our results show that 2DcSMIVI values can play a significant role in the evaluation of testicular blood flow as a predictive sign of testicular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Ates
- Department of Radiology, Medicine Faculty, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey.
| | | | - Halil Ibrahim Sara
- Departments of Radiology, University of Health Sciences, Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan, Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Turgay Kara
- Department of Radiology, Medicine Faculty, Sutcu İmam University, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
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22
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Velasco A, Ruiz S. New Approaches to Assess Fertility in Domestic Animals: Relationship between Arterial Blood Flow to the Testicles and Seminal Quality. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:E12. [PMID: 33374860 PMCID: PMC7823812 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The early identification of infertile males improves reproduction efficiency at a production level and is essential to secure high production rates. Before entering a breeding program, males must pass an initial breeding soundness examination (BSE) which consist of several diagnostic exams whose end point is to estimate their future fertility. There is ongoing research to find new markers that allow better identification of fertile males. Doppler mode allows the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the irrigation of organs. When evaluating the reproductive system, Doppler mode has been successfully used for the evaluation of the uterine and ovarian irrigation. In males, it is gaining relevance for the evaluation of testicular irrigation. Researchers have found a relationship between pulsed-wave Doppler velocimetric parameters and seminal quality in various domestic animal species. This suggests Doppler ultrasound parameters should be considered as objective parameters to evaluate testicular function. In this review, we analyze the results in the main domestic animal species and discuss the differences and similarities among the results. We also discuss the effect of the location of the measurements, breed, season and laterality in the measurement of Doppler velocimetric parameters as well as the impact and limitations of this method of assessing breeding soundness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Velasco
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Salvador Ruiz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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23
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Tsampoukas G, Dellis A, Katsouri A, Brown D, Deliveliotis K, Moussa M, Buchholz N, Papatsoris A. Role of total motile sperm count in the evaluation of young men with bilateral subclinical varicocele and asthenospermia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 92. [PMID: 33348969 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2020.4.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In comparison to its clinical analogue, the subclinical varicocele represents a questionable entity and specific guidelines for the optimal management are lacking. In our previous study of patients with subclinical varicocele, we showed that bilateral condition is associated with risk of dyspermia. In the present study, we evaluated the risk of deterioration of semen quality in men with bilateral disease and impaired motility according to WHO criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS Men with bilateral subclinical varicocele, not desiring fatherhood at the time of presentation, were included in study. During initial evaluation, the number of Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC) was calculated and the patients' age, total testicular volume (TTV), maximum venous size and mean resistive index (RI) of the intratesticular arteries were recorded. We classified the participants in five classes according to the TMSC reading: class A-: TMSC < 5 x 106, class A: TMSC between 5-10 x 106, class B: TMSC between 10-15 x 106, class C: TMSC between 15-20 x 106, and class D: TMSC > 20 x 106 per ejaculate. The participants were seen after 6 months for a repeat spermiogram and physical examination. If clinical varicocele was diagnosed or a new abnormality in the spermiogram was noted, the participants were excluded from the study. The remaining patients were allocated to two groups according to the repeat TMSC reading: patients sub-classified into a lower class (group 1), and patients remaining at the same class (group 2). A comparative analysis was performed between two groups. RESULTS Nineteen men were included. Nine patients were subclassified (group 1). Three patients moved to A- class (< 5 x 106). Ten patients remained in the same class having no deterioration (group 2). Comparing the two groups, no statistically significant difference was recognized for age, TTV, maximum venous size on both sides, and mean RI (p > 0.05). However, the initial reading for TMSC was 14.57 x 106 in group 1, and 22.84 x 106 in group 2, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Additionally, in a paired analysis there was a significant difference in TMSC after 6 months (p < 0.05), too. Summary Conclusions: Young men with bilateral varicocele and asthenospermia seem to be at risk of deterioration in their semen quality after a follow-up of 6 months. The measurement of TMSC can unmask patients at risk, whereas men with the lowest readings seem to be at highest risk for deterioration. The possibility of a worsening sperm quality should be considered in the appropriate clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsampoukas
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for emerging countries), London, UK; Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, UK; Department of Urology, Agios Andreas Hospital, Patras.
| | - Athanasios Dellis
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for emerging countries), London; Department of Urology, Aretaieion Academic Hospital, Athens.
| | | | - Dominic Brown
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow.
| | | | - Mohamad Moussa
- Al Zahraa Hospital, University Medical Center, Lebanese University, Beirut.
| | - Noor Buchholz
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for emerging countries), London.
| | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- U-merge Ltd. (Urology for emerging countries), London; 2nd Department of Urology, University Hospital of Athens, Athens.
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Samir H, Radwan F, Watanabe G. Advances in applications of color Doppler ultrasonography in the andrological assessment of domestic animals: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 161:252-261. [PMID: 33341504 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Compared to human cases, potential applications of Doppler imaging technology in farm animals' practice are still limited and are mostly concerned with females. Testicular blood perfusion (TBP) is the pathway through which all nutrients, oxygen, and regulatory agents pass through to the testis. TBP is crucial to the testis function because of the high metabolic rate and very low concentration of oxygen in the seminiferous tubules, which constitute about 70%-80% of the testicular mass. Color Doppler ultrasonography is one of the recent non-invasive technologies, which plays a vital role in the assessment of blood flow to the testis in various animal species. In the past 20 years, a significant number of studies have highlighted the importance of assessments of TBP using color Doppler ultrasonography to illustrate its potential uses for breeding soundness examination, diagnosis, and monitoring of infertility problems in farm animals. This review was aimed at providing, for the first time, updated knowledge on the potential clinical uses of color Doppler ultrasonography for the assessment of TBP in domestic animals. Additionally, a few essential details on the relationship between TBP and male fertility are discussed in this review. Furthermore, a number of caveats relating to the use of color Doppler ultrasonography are discussed, which collectively appear to constrain its routine, on-farm application for breeding soundness assessments, at least at the present. The new perspectives related to animal reproduction that researchers claim to do in further investigations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haney Samir
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt; Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan.
| | - Faten Radwan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan; Veterinarian Graduated from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh, Elqaliobiya, 13736, Egypt
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
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25
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Fávaro PDC, Pereira GR, Barca FA, Adona PR, Franco EMV, Dias IDS, Seneda MM, Koetz Junior C. Hemodynamic evaluation of the supratesticular artery in bulls. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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26
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Gloria A, Di Francesco L, Marruchella G, Robbe D, Contri A. Pulse-wave Doppler pulsatility and resistive indexes of the testicular artery increase in canine testis with abnormal spermatogenesis. Theriogenology 2020; 158:454-460. [PMID: 33049570 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pulse-wave Doppler (PWD) ultrasonography of the testicular artery was recently used to compare parameters in fertile and infertile males, or males with normal and abnormal semen quality, while no studies verified the concomitant histological feature of the testis. The experimental hypothesis of the present study was that the blood flow parameters measured by PWD at different levels of the testicular artery reflect sperm attributes evaluated on spermatozoa collected from the tail of the epididymis and testicular histological characteristics. Pulse-wave Doppler parameters were recorded on both testes from 16 dogs of unknown fertility. After routine castration, epididymal spermatozoa were collected and evaluated for sperm total and progressive motility, membrane integrity, and sperm morphology. Testes were submitted to histological and immunohistochemical evaluations to quantify microscopic attributes and connective tissue and vascular area extent, respectively. The findings showed that the increased PWD indexes were suggestive of testicular histological alteration since negative correlations were found between pulsatility index and resistive index, measured in the marginal testicular artery, and histological attributes such as the seminiferous epithelial thickness (R = -0.528, P = 0.016 and R = -0.554, P = 0.005, respectively) and the tubular area/total area ratio (R = -0.494, P = 0.024 and R = -0.563, P = 0.004, respectively). Some histological characteristics, such as tubular diameter, seminiferous epithelium thickness, and the tubular area/total area ratio of the testis are correlated with the percentage of primary abnormalities (R = -0.874, P = 0.001, and R = -0.847, P = 0.001, and R = - 0.865, P = 0.001, respectively). In testes with increased sperm primary abnormalities, higher pulsatility index was found compared with testes with normal spermatogenesis in supratesticular artery (1.07 ± 0.06 vs 0.82 ± 0.23, P < 0.05), marginal artery (0.73 ± 0.04 vs 0.61 ± 0.07, P < 0.05), and intratesticular artery (0.67 ± 0.03 vs 0.43 ± 0.1, P < 0.05). Similarly, the resistive index was found significantly higher in the same vessel tracts in testes with abnormal and normal spermatogenesis (0.62 ± 0.02, 0.53 ± 0.02, and 0.46 ± 0.02 vs 0.51 ± 0.06, 0.44 ± 0.04, and 0.32 ± 0.06, respectively; P < 0.05). Our data demonstrated for the first time the relationship between PWD indexes and the contextual testicular architecture, suggesting that the pulsatility and resistive indexes could be an effective tool in andrology. In light of different histological alterations in the testis, caution is warranted in the definition of thresholds for normal and abnormal testicular blood flow indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Francesco
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Contri
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Biosciences and Technologies for Agriculture Food and Environment, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
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27
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Elzeneini WM, Eldiasty SE, Nasser HM, Elzeneini AM. Role of ultrasound in the follow-up of intra-abdominal testes post Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:1925-1932. [PMID: 31983400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the role of various ultrasound (US) modalities in their ability to determine testicular viability in prepubertal testes following Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy (FSO). MATERIAL & METHODS Our prospective study included all patients from the year 2012 to 2017 with intra-abdominal testes (IAT) who had one-stage or staged FSO in our tertiary centre. Follow-up was done at 6 months to assess testicular viability and testicular position by clinical examination, and this was correlated with conventional and Doppler US results then. RESULTS This study included 28 IAT in total, who had one-stage (n = 16) and staged (n = 12) laparoscopic FSO. Median age was 1.27 years. Testicular atrophy was noted by clinical examination in 6 testes. In these 6 testes, conventional US confirmed an atrophic testicular nubbin and both Color Doppler US (CDU) and Power Doppler US (PDU) failed to show any parenchymal testicular vessels. Spectral Mode Analysis (SMA) also showed no significant arterial waveform. As for the remaining 22 viable testes by clinical examination, conventional US showed normal testicular morphology in all, while CDU and PDU confirmed adequate parenchymal blood flow in only 15 and 20 testes respectively. SMA revealed a normal arterial resistive index in only 21 testes. CONCLUSION There is no evident role for US in the follow-up of prepubertal testes post-FSO as US results are strongly correlated to clinical examination findings. Blood flow assessment in prepubertal testes following FSO can be difficult, unclear and undetectable in cases. This can be due to the prepubertal testicular stage, technique or unrecognized testicular atrophy despite normal morphology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV: Case series with no comparison group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael M Elzeneini
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Ain Shams University Children's Hospital, Egypt.
| | | | - Haytham M Nasser
- Radiology Department, Ain Shams University Children's Hospital, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Elzeneini
- Radiology Department, Ain Shams University Children's Hospital, Egypt
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28
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Trautwein LGC, Souza AK, Cardoso GS, da Costa Flaiban KKM, de Oliveira Dearo AC, Martins MIM. Correlation of testicular artery Doppler velocimetry with kinetics and morphologic characteristics of epididymal sperm in dogs. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:720-725. [PMID: 32150653 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sperm quality can be affected by a reduction in testicular blood flow, which can be measured by Doppler ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to correlate the Doppler velocimetry of the testicular artery with kinetics of the epididymal spermatozoa in dogs. Twenty-two dogs (44 testicles) were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography in five regions of the testicular artery before orchiectomy. Spermatozoa were recovered by the epididymal tail compression technique and analysed for kinetics on a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA system). Morphology (modified Karras) and sperm membrane integrity were analysed by eosin-nigrosine staining. Data were analysed by Pearson's correlation test (p < .01). The mean total motility was 69.0% ± 17.7, progressive motility was 43.7% ± 14.7, average path velocity (VAP) was 127.0 µm/s ± 20.7, curvilinear velocity (VCL) was 221.0 µm/s ± 31.1, and sperm velocity index (SVI) was 389.9 ± 56.1. There were positive correlations between the peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the proximal supratesticular region with the SVI (r = .529), VCL (r = .555) and VAP (r = .473), and a negative correlation with the percentage of slow spermatozoa (r = -.463). The results suggest that the testicular artery blood flow velocity can positively affect the speed of spermatozoa movement. For the first time, we have correlated sperm kinetics with the Doppler evaluation of the testicular artery in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Kemmer Souza
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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Gacem S, Papas M, Catalan J, Miró J. Examination of jackass (Equus asinus) accessory sex glands by B-mode ultrasound and of testicular artery blood flow by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound: Correlations with semen production. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:181-188. [PMID: 31829461 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The accessory sex glands play a major role in the production of seminal plasma, and testicular artery blood flow seems to strongly influence testicular function. However, very little ultrasound imaging of these organs has been undertaken in donkeys. The present work reports the results of such examinations in five jackasses along the year. The accessory glands were inspected by B-mode ultrasound while the testicular artery blood flow was assessed by colour pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound. The testicular artery was examined at pampiniform plexus (PPT), supratesticular area (ST) and capsular artery (CA). Values were recorded for the total arterial blood flow (TABF), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) and time average maximum velocity (TAMV). Semen was obtained and assessed for sperm concentration, viability, abnormalities and motility using a CASA system. The bulbourethral glands, prostate and ductus deferens ampullae were relatively larger than in the stallion. Bulbourethral glands and ampullae sizes were inversely correlated with sperm motility. An reduction in blood flow between the level the PPP and the CA was observed, helping to reduce testis temperature and oxygen pressure. Blood flow at the CA showed the strongest correlation with semen production. PI and RI were positively correlated with the CASA motility variable STR (p = .02, p = .06) and sperm viability (p = .01), while sperm concentration (p = .05) correlated inversely with PSV, EDV, TAMV and TABF. EDV also correlated negatively with the CASA variables VSL, LIN, STR and VAP (p ≤ .05). PI and RI were also negatively correlated with testis length (p = .0093, p = -.0438).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Gacem
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marion Papas
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jaime Catalan
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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30
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Tsampoukas G, Dellis A, Papatsoris A. Bilateral disease and intratesticular haemodynamics as markers of dyspermia in patients with subclinical varicocele: A prospective study. Arab J Urol 2019; 17:298-304. [PMID: 31723447 PMCID: PMC6830200 DOI: 10.1080/2090598x.2019.1647676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To study scrotal ultrasonographic characteristics in patients with subclinical varicocele (SV) and investigate their relationship with semen parameters. Patients and methods: In all, 56 men with SV were recruited and divided into two groups, according to their semen characteristics. Group A, comprised 34 men with normal semen analysis; and Group B, comprised 22 men who carried at least one abnormality, regarding sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Between the two groups we compared: age; body mass index (BMI); semen pH and semen volume; total testicular volume (TTV); maximal vein diameter (MVD) and degree of reflux; mean values of peak-systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive index (RI) of the intratesticular arteries; whether bilateral SV; and serum testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Results: Asthenospermia was present in all patients in Group B; 10 patients had asthenospermia only, six patients were astheno-oligospermic and six patients had astheno-oligo-teratospermia. Age, BMI, semen pH and volume, TTV, MVD and degree of reflux did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, EDV, PSV and RI were significantly different (P < 0.05). Bilateral SV was significantly more frequent in patients in Group B (P < 0.05). Finally, FSH was elevated in Group B (P < 0.05), whereas testosterone was normal in both groups, albeit significantly lower in men with abnormal semen analyses (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Classic ultrasonographic characteristics in men with SV, such as venous size or degree of reflux, were insufficient to distinguish patients with abnormal semen analysis. However, bilateral disease and intratesticular haemodynamics differed significantly in patients with SV and abnormal semen analysis. Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index; CDU: colour Doppler ultrasonography; EDV: end-diastolic velocity; MVD: maximal vein diameter; PSV: peak-systolic velocity; RI: resistive index; SV: subclinical varicocele; TTV: total testicular volume; US: ultrasonography
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Athanasios Dellis
- Urology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieion Academic Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- Urology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Sismanoglio' General Hospital, Maroussi, Athens, Greece
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Uterine hemodynamics during a short-term progesterone synchronization protocol in ewes. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 52:503-509. [PMID: 31392554 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-02035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-eight pluriparous and non-lactating Santa Inês sheep were synchronized with vaginal sponge and an intramuscular (IM) injection of 37.5 μg of cloprostenol on random days of the estrous cycle (D0); day 6 (D6), at 7:00 am, the devices were removed, and after 24 h (D7), GnRH analog (25 μg of lecirelin) was administrated. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) with cervical traction by the transcervical route was performed 52 to 58 h after sponge removal. Doppler velocimetry of both uterine arteries was performed on D0, D2, D4, and the morning of D6 (every 48 h), and then every 12 h from D6 to D8 (7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.). We analyzed the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EVD), time-averaged maximum and mean velocity (TAMAX, TAMEAN), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D), arterial diameter (AD), and blood flow volume (BFV), with the objective of evaluating the hemodynamic behavior of blood flow velocity parameters of the uterine artery during a short-term progesterone synchronization protocol in ewes. With respect to phases, we noted increases in the means of TAMAX and TAMEAN and decreases of EDV, PI, and RI (P < 0.05). S/D, EDV, TAMEAN, PI, RI, SD, AD, and BFV showed differences between the time of progesterone insertion and the estimated time of ovulation (which was considered the last evaluation) (P < 0.05). The PI and RI values were different when comparing the times of insertion and withdrawal of the progesterone device (PI 2.53-1.54 and RI 0.76-0.68) (P < 0.05). The PI was different with respect to side (P < 0.001), but no side effect was seen in the RI. In conclusion, the two uterine arteries behave differently under the effect of progesterone (intravaginal sponges) and the effect of estradiol during the follicular phase, and estrous phase was responsible for increasing uterine blood flow.
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32
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Trautwein LGC, Souza AK, Martins MIM. Can testicular artery Doppler velocimetry values change according to the measured region in dogs? Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:687-695. [PMID: 30685893 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Testicular tissue maintenance is performed by the testicular artery, and the hemodynamics of this artery can be evaluated using Doppler ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to characterize the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI) of five regions of the testicular artery in dogs, including two proposed regions and three that have been previously described. Twenty-two dogs were used, and the PSV, EDV, PI and RI of the testicular artery were measured in five regions: proximal, medial and distal supratesticular; marginal; and intratesticular. The median values for PSV (cm/s), EDV (cm/s), PI and RI in the five regions were as follows: proximal supratesticular (23.1, 3.7, 2.1 and 0.8); medial supratesticular (17.2, 4.5, 1.5, and 0.7); distal supratesticular (12.2, 5.7, 0.8, and 0.5); marginal (11.3, 6.5, 0.5, and 0.4); and intratesticular (5.7, 3.5, 0.5, and 0.4). There was a difference between the PSV of the medial and distal supratesticular regions. There were differences in the PSV, EDV, PI and RI among the distal supratesticular, marginal and intratesticular regions. Measurements of PSV, EDV, PI and RI of the testicular artery in dogs at the proposed regions showed different results due to the hemodynamic and morphological differences of the artery during its course in the spermatic cord and to the testicles. It is necessary to identify the region in testicular artery Doppler velocimetric evaluations of dogs, given that there is a difference according to the region measured.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Kemmer Souza
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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Can Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Increase or Predict the Success Rate of Testicular Sperm Aspiration in Patients With Azoospermia? AJR Am J Roentgenol 2019; 212:1054-1059. [PMID: 30807223 PMCID: PMC7518717 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.18.20436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to determine whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) perfusion measurements obtained before testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) can improve or predict sperm retrieval (SR) outcomes of TESA in patients with azoospermia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Between May 2017 and January 2018, 70 patients with azoospermia (mean age, 29 years; age range, 22-41 years) underwent testes CEUS within 10 days before TESA. Major perfusion areas were visually chosen, and their ranges were recorded. The other areas were defined as minor perfusion. CEUS quantitative features were acquired for both the main perfusion area and whole testis. Testis tissue biopsies were taken for both major and minor perfusion areas by cognitive fusion, and SR outcomes were compared. Associations between testicular volume, quantitative CEUS features, and SR outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS. Twenty-four men were found to have obstructive azoospermia (OA), and the remaining 46 had nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). All patients with OA had spermatozoa in biopsy. Only one patient with NOA had spermatozoa in the major perfusion area but not the minor perfusion area; the other patients with NOA had the same SR outcomes in both major and minor perfusion areas. In patients with NOA, both wash-in and washout CEUS features were correlated with the success of SR in TESA. CONCLUSION. CEUS-guided TESA with cognitive fusion cannot yield improved SR outcomes of TESA in patients with NOA, possibly because of imprecise correlation between biopsy sites and main perfusion area analyzed by CEUS; however, quantitative CEUS features can be useful predictors of the success of SR.
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Bitkin A, Başak Ozbalci A, Aydin M, Keles M, Akgunes E, Atilla MK, Irkilata L. Effects of varicocele on testicles: Value of strain elastography: A prospective controlled study. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13161. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alper Bitkin
- Samsun Training and Research Hospital Urology Clinic; University of Health Sciences; Samsun Turkey
| | - Aysu Başak Ozbalci
- Samsun Training and Research Hospital Radiology Clinic; University of Health Sciences; Samsun Turkey
| | - Mustafa Aydin
- Samsun Training and Research Hospital Urology Clinic; University of Health Sciences; Samsun Turkey
| | - Mevlut Keles
- Samsun Training and Research Hospital Urology Clinic; University of Health Sciences; Samsun Turkey
| | - Ebubekir Akgunes
- Samsun Training and Research Hospital Urology Clinic; University of Health Sciences; Samsun Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kemal Atilla
- Samsun Training and Research Hospital Urology Clinic; University of Health Sciences; Samsun Turkey
| | - Lokman Irkilata
- Samsun Training and Research Hospital Urology Clinic; University of Health Sciences; Samsun Turkey
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Effect of breed on testicular blood flow dynamics in bulls. Theriogenology 2018; 118:16-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Camela ESC, Nociti RP, Santos VJC, Macente BI, Murawski M, Vicente WRR, Bartlewski PM, Oliveira MEF. Changes in testicular size, echotexture, and arterial blood flow associated with the attainment of puberty in Dorper rams raised in a subtropical climate. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 54:131-137. [PMID: 29989218 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity of information on the relationships of testicular morphology, echotextural attributes, and blood flow dynamics with pubertal development of rams raised in a subtropical climate. Forty-five Dorper rams (24 rams aged 8-11 months and 21 rams aged 12-24 months) were examined using a portable ultrasound scanner connected to a 7.5-MHz transducer. Computer-assisted analyses of testicular ultrasonograms utilized commercially available Image ProPlus® analytical software. Spectral Doppler scans of testicular arteries were performed immediately after scrotal (B-mode) ultrasonography to determine peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI = [PSV-EDV]/PSV), and pulsatility index (PI = [SPV-EDV]/mean velocity) of the blood vessels. The length of the testes (9.7 ± 0.3 compared with 9.0 ± 0.2 cm) and scrotal circumference (33.3 ± 0.5 compared with 31.8 ± 0.4 cm) were greater (p < 0.05) but testicular depth (4.5 ± 0.1 compared with 4.9 ± 0.08 cm) was less (p < 0.05) in sexually mature compared with peripubertal rams. [Corrections added on 9 Jan 2019 after initial online publication: The testicular size values in the sentence were corrected.] There were no differences (p > 0.05) between the two age groups of Dorper rams in blood flow indices of testicular arteries. Mean numerical pixel values (100.5 ± 4.1 compared with 89.2 ± 4.8) and pixel heterogeneity (25.6 ± 0.6 compared with 23.6 ± 0.5) of testicular parenchyma were greater (p < 0.05) in peripubertal than in postpubertal rams. Semen volume was negatively correlated with PI of testicular arteries (r = -0.57, p = 0.04). In summary, the attainment of sexual maturity in the rams of the present study was associated with significant changes in testicular length and depth, scrotal circumference, and parenchymal echogenicity/hetrogeneity but not in testicular volume and blood perfusion rates. Testicular artery PI can be used to predict the volume of ejaculate in rams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efigénia S C Camela
- Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo P Nociti
- Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor J C Santos
- Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatrice I Macente
- Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maciej Murawski
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Cracow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Wilter R R Vicente
- Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pawel M Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Emilia F Oliveira
- Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
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El-Komy H, El-Gendi A, Abdel-Salam W, Elseidy M, Elkayal E. Self-fixing parietex progrip versus the standard sutured prolene mesh in tension-free repair of inguinal hernia: effect on testicular volume and testicular blood flow. Updates Surg 2018; 70:513-520. [PMID: 29948662 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-018-0554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Our study was conducted to compare self-fixing lightweight polyester mesh (group I) to the standard heavy weight polypropylene mesh (group II) using tension-free Lichtenstein hernioplasty as regard to the effect of mesh implantation and perimesh fibrosis on testicular blood flow. 80 patients with uncomplicated inguinal hernia were divided in two groups. Doppler ultrasonography measured testicular volume, testicular artery velocity preoperative and 3rd month post operative. Blood flow in the testicles was represented by resistive index (RI). No case of testicular atrophy occurred in either group, however, in both groups a significant postoperative decrease in testicular volume (p = 0.001 in group I and p < 0.001 in group II) was accompanied by a significant increase in RI as compared to their pre-operative values (p < 0.001 in group I and p = 0.009 in group II). Comparing the two groups, patients in group I showed higher values of decrease in testicular volume accompanied by more increase in RI values postoperatively compared to group II patients, but these values did not reach a significant value (p = 0.107, p = 0.136). There was a significant increase in the number of post-operative varicocele and hydrocele in group I compared to group II. Mesh implantation has an effect on testicular size and blood flow by decreasing the testicular size and increasing the RI. This effect was more obvious in the parietex progrip. Although there is an indirect relation between RI and the sperm count, testicular blood flow alone is not enough to judge fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba El-Komy
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, El Sultan Hussein Street, El-Azarita, Khartoum Square, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed El-Gendi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, El Sultan Hussein Street, El-Azarita, Khartoum Square, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt
| | - Wael Abdel-Salam
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, El Sultan Hussein Street, El-Azarita, Khartoum Square, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elseidy
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, El Sultan Hussein Street, El-Azarita, Khartoum Square, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt
| | - Elsaid Elkayal
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, El Sultan Hussein Street, El-Azarita, Khartoum Square, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt
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Use of Ultrasound in Male Infertility: Appropriate Selection of Men for Scrotal Ultrasound. Curr Urol Rep 2018; 19:58. [DOI: 10.1007/s11934-018-0810-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Assessment of the use of contrast enhanced ultrasound in guiding microdissection testicular sperm extraction in nonobstructive azoospermia. BMC Urol 2018; 18:48. [PMID: 29792185 PMCID: PMC5966902 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-018-0367-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a new non-invasive approach to locate the testicular area in which spermatogenesis is most likely to be found in non-obstructive azoospermic testes and to evaluate the accuracy of CEUS as a predictor of successful sperm retrieval. METHODS CEUS was performed in 120 nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (M-TESE) was performed on the best and poorest perfusion areas selected by CEUS and on conventional areas. RESULTS In the 187 testicles that underwent M-TESE, the sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) in the best perfusion area and poorest perfusion area over the maximal longitudinal section and conventional area were 63.1, 34.7 and 47.1%. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the arrival times (AT) ≤27 s, time-to-peak intensity (TTP) ≤45 s, and peak intensity (PI) ≥11 dB were the best predictors of positive sperm retrieval. The location of the best perfusion area was able to guide M-TESE to improve the success rates. CONCLUSIONS Testicle CEUS is suggested to be performed in all patients with NOA. If AT≤27 s, TTP ≤ 45 s or PI≥11 dB are found in the best perfusion area, M-TESE is strongly recommended.
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Sonography in male infertility: a look beyond the obvious. J Ultrasound 2018; 21:265-276. [PMID: 29594932 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-018-0294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 15-20% of the reproductive age range population; the male factor accounts for up to 40-60% of these. With female factor infertility catching most of the limelight in research, diagnosis and treatment, the other half of the problem has not been duly addressed. Imaging has an important role to play in the evaluation of male infertility, especially to identify correctible (obstructive) causes. We review the scrotal, trans-rectal sonographic and Doppler findings in infertile men to aid in the accurate diagnosis and proper management of such patients.
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Aguilar-García J, Cano-González HA, Martínez-Jiménez MA, de la Rosa-Zapata F, Sánchez-Aguilar M. Unilateral Lichtenstein tension-free mesh hernia repair and testicular perfusion: a prospective control study. Hernia 2018; 22:479-482. [PMID: 29352359 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-017-1714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Compare testicular perfusion between the herniated and the healthy side pre- and post-surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study was done on patients with unilateral inguinal hernia. A Doppler ultrasound study was performed in the healthy and herniated side before surgery and 3 months after it. RESULTS 31 patients were included, 74.2% on the right and 25.8% on the left side. When comparing the pre-surgical values of testicular resistance index from the healthy side with those on the herniated side, there was a significant difference at the spermatic cord levels (0.73 ± 0.11 and 0.81 ± 0.13, p = 0.018) and the extra-testicular level (0.66 ± 0.92 and 0.74 ± 0.10, p = 0.032), but a significant difference was not present at the intra-testicular level (0.62 ± 0.07 and 0.65 ± 0.08). Three months after the surgery, there were no statistically significant differences at any of the levels studied. CONCLUSION There are no intra-testicular perfusion differences caused by the presence of hernia, nor during post-surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Aguilar-García
- General Surgery Department, Hospital Central Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - H A Cano-González
- General Surgery Department, Hospital Central Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - M A Martínez-Jiménez
- General Surgery Department, Hospital Central Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.,Radiology Department, Hospital Central Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - F de la Rosa-Zapata
- Radiology Department, Hospital Central Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - M Sánchez-Aguilar
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Av. Venustiano Carranza 2405, Los Filtros, 78210, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
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Ultrasonographic characteristics of accessory sex glands and spectral Doppler indices of the internal iliac arteries in peri- and post-pubertal Dorper rams raised in a subtropical climate. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 184:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Küçükdurmaz F, Sarıca MA, Emre Ö, Baykara M, Kızıldağ B, Resim S. Evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of strain elastography in infertile population with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Turk J Urol 2017; 43:261-267. [PMID: 28861295 DOI: 10.5152/tud.2017.34793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of strain elastography (SE) of testicular tissues in infertile population. We also evaluated the correlation between SE results with semen parameters and hormone profiles of the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 61 patients and 122 testes were evaluated. Patients who were evaluated in an andrology outpatient clinic with the diagnosis of infertility and referred to radiology department for investigation of reproductive organs between June 2015 and January 2016 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to semen analyses results as normal (Group 1) and abnormal (Group 2). Hormone profiles, semen analyses, B-mode, coloured Doppler ultrasonography and sonoelastography examinations were performed for each patient. Measurements of testicular volumes, resistive indices (RI) in intraparenchymal arteries, strain, strain ratio (SR) and presence of varicocele were recorded. RESULTS Mean age of participants was 33.7±6.3 years. Mean testicular volumes (Group 1, 19.41±4.8 mL, and Group 2, 17.64±3.62 mL) were significantly different between groups (p=0.023). Mean SRs were also different between Groups 1 and 2 (0.12±0.08 vs. 0.22±0.18, p<0.001). Testicular volumes were directly proportional with SRs in Group 1. Strain values had inverse relationship with sperm concentration and total motile sperm counts in Group 2 (p=0.01). SRs were found to be positively correlated with RI and sperm morphology in Group 2 (p<0.05). Although FSH values showed significant difference among groups, any correlation between FSH and elastographic parameters could not be displayed. CONCLUSION Strain elastography results were found to be significantly different in patients with abnormal sperm counts. This technique may provide promising results, however, further large scale studies may help to clarify the value of this imaging modality in the assessment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Küçükdurmaz
- Department of Urology, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University School of Medicine, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akif Sarıca
- Department of Radiology, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University School of Medicine, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
| | - Özcan Emre
- Department of Radiology, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University School of Medicine, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
| | - Murat Baykara
- Department of Radiology, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University School of Medicine, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
| | - Betül Kızıldağ
- Department of Radiology, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University School of Medicine, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
| | - Sefa Resim
- Department of Urology, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University School of Medicine, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
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Ortiz-Rodriguez JM, Anel-Lopez L, Martín-Muñoz P, Álvarez M, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Anel L, Rodríguez-Medina P, Peña FJ, Ortega Ferrusola C. Pulse Doppler ultrasound as a tool for the diagnosis of chronic testicular dysfunction in stallions. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175878. [PMID: 28558006 PMCID: PMC5448730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular function is particularly susceptible to vascular insult, resulting in a negative impact on sperm production and quality of the ejaculate. A prompt diagnosis of testicular dysfunction enables implementation of appropriate treatment, hence improving fertility forecasts for stallions. The present research aims to: (1) assess if Doppler ultrasonography is a good tool to diagnose stallions with testicular dysfunction; (2) to study the relationship between Doppler parameters of the testicular artery and those of sperm quality assessed by flow cytometry and (3) to establish cut off values to differentiate fertile stallions from those with pathologies causing testicular dysfunction. A total of 10 stallions (n: 7 healthy stallions and n: 3 sub-fertile stallions) were used in this study. Two ejaculates per stallion were collected and preserved at 5°C in a commercial extender. The semen was evaluated at T0, T24 and T48h by flow cytometry. Integrity and viability of sperm (YoPro®-1/EthD-1), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker® Deep Red FM) and the DNA fragmentation index (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) were assessed. Doppler parameters were measured at three different locations on the testicular artery (Supratesticular artery (SA); Capsular artery (CA) and Intratesticular artery (IA)). The Doppler parameters calculated were: Resistive Index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI), Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End Diastolic Velocity (EDV), Time Average Maximum Velocity (TAMV), Total Arterial Blood Flow (TABF) and TABF rate. The capsular artery was the most reliable location to carry out spectral Doppler assessment, since blood flow parameters of this artery were most closely correlated with sperm quality parameters. Significant differences in all the Doppler parameters studied were observed between fertile and subfertile stallions (p ≤ 0.05). The principal components analysis assay determined that fertile stallions are characterized by high EDV, TAMV, TABF and TABF rate values (high vascular perfusion). In contrast, subfertile stallions tend to present high values of PI and RI (high vascular resistance). The ROC curves revealed that the best Doppler parameters to predict sperm quality in stallions were: Doppler velocities (PSV, EDV and TAMV), the diameter of the capsular artery and TABF parameters (tissue perfusion parameters). Cut off values were established using a Youden´s Index to identify fertile stallions from stallions with testicular dysfunction. Spectral Doppler ultrasound is a good predictive tool for sperm quality since correlations were determined among Doppler parameters and markers of sperm quality. Doppler ultrasonography could be a valuable diagnostic tool for use by clinical practitioners for the diagnosis of stallions with testicular dysfunction and could be a viable alternative to invasive procedures traditionally used for diagnosis of sub-fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. Ortiz-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Patricia Martín-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Mercedes Álvarez
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Veterinary Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | | | - Fernando J. Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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Altinkilic B, Pilatz A, Diemer T, Wolf J, Bergmann M, Schönbrunn S, Ligges U, Schuppe HC, Weidner W. Prospective evaluation of scrotal ultrasound and intratesticular perfusion by color-coded duplex sonography (CCDS) in TESE patients with azoospermia. World J Urol 2017; 36:125-133. [PMID: 28429094 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-017-2039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to assess whether CCDS might improve the outcome of testicular sperm retrieval in patients with azoospermia. Furthermore, we evaluated potential sonographic alterations of the testis before and after trifocal and Micro-TESE. METHODS 78 patients were enrolled prospectively: 24 with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 54 with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). 31 of 54 patients in the NOA group had negative surgical sperm retrieval. Testicular volume, hormonal parameters and sonographical findings were compared before and after TESE. The spermatogenetic score was determined for all retrieval sites. CCDS was performed at the upper, middle and lower segment of the testis. Ultrasound parameters and peak systolic velocity (PSV) were measured pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS Testicular volume and epididymal head size were significantly increased in OA patients compared to NOA patients. Ultrasound parameters were comparable between NOA patients with and without successful sperm retrieval. A higher intratesticular PSV was significantly correlated with a better spermatogenic score in the corresponding sonographic position. However, after adjustment for other clinical confounders, PSV does not show a significant influence on the spermatogenic score. Testicular volume decreased significantly in all patients post-operatively after 6 weeks (p < 0.001). Finally, the PSV significantly increased in all patients 24 h after surgery and nearly returned to baseline levels after 6 weeks (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A higher intratesticular PSV may be helpful as a pre-operative diagnostic parameter in mapping for better sperm retrieval, but CCDS does not help to predict successful testicular sperm retrieval after adjustment for other clinical confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Altinkilic
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia Wolf
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 98, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sarah Schönbrunn
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Uwe Ligges
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Tuncer AA, Peker T, Acar MB, Embleton DB, Cetinkursun S. A comparison of preoperative and postoperative testicular volume and blood flow in patients with inguinal hernia, hydrocele, and cord cyst: A prospective cohort study. Pak J Med Sci 2017; 33:363-368. [PMID: 28523038 PMCID: PMC5432705 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.332.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of inguinal operations performed with a modified Ferguson technique upon testicular volume and blood flow. METHODS This study involved 23 children receiving surgery for inguinal hernia, hydrocele, and cord cyst. This was a prospective study performed between April 2016 and June 2016 in a medical faculty pediatric surgery unit. The color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) was used to assess testicular volume and blood flow before and after a modified Ferguson technique surgery. The pre- and post operative testicular volume and blood flow were compared with the contralateral testes. SPSS software was used to statistically analyze the data arising; the Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman test were used to compare samples, and P<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS Preoperative and postoperative testicular volumes were not statistically different when compared to contralateral testes. In patients with right sided inguinal pathology, testicular blood flow on the right side was significantly lower than that on the left side (P=0.023). The testicular blood flow was not statistically different compared with the contralateral testes during the first week evaluation and first month evaluation. The blood flow, probably reduced due to the pressure caused by inguinal pathology, was normalized through surgery. CONCLUSIONS The modified Ferguson technique do not change the testes volume and blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Ali Tuncer
- Dr. Ahmet Ali Tuncer, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Afyon Kocatepe University, Medical Faculty, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Tamer Peker
- Dr. Tamer Peker, MD, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Afyon Kocatepe University, Medical Faculty, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Berke Acar
- Dr. Mehtap Berke Acar, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Afyon Kocatepe University, Medical Faculty, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Didem Baskin Embleton
- Dr. Didem Baskin Embleton, Assistant Professor, Afyon Kocatepe University, Medical Faculty, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Salih Cetinkursun
- Prof. Dr. Salih Cetinkursun, Afyon Kocatepe University, Medical Faculty, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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Chinya A, Ratan SK, Aggarwal SK, Garg A, Mishra TK. Association of Levels of Serum Inhibin B and Follicle-stimulating Hormone with Testicular Vascularity, Volume, and Echotexture in Children with Undescended Testes. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg 2017; 22:3-8. [PMID: 28082768 PMCID: PMC5217136 DOI: 10.4103/0971-9261.194609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The aim of our study was to assess the association between reproductive hormones (inhibin B [inh B], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]) with testicular volume, echogenicity, and blood flow (resistive index [RI]) in children with undescended testis (UDT). Settings and Design: This was a prospective study of 1-year study duration. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 patients (16 unilateral and 17 bilateral) UDTs aged 5–12 years with palpable UDT were included in the study. Morning fasting blood samples were taken for estimation of serum inh B and FSH as well as inh B/FSH ratio. Testicular ultrasound was done to compute testicular volume, testicular echogenicity, and testicular vascularity in terms of RI. Results: The mean age of patients enrolled in the study was 8.29 years for unilateral UDT and 7.97 years in bilateral UDT and it was comparable. The study groups were further subdivided into two age-wise subgroups school goers (5–8 years) and prepubertal (9–12 years). The values of inh B, FSH, and inh B/FSH ratios as well as mean testicular volume were comparable between both groups and subgroups. Overall mean testicular volume had a positive correlation with FSH, inh B, and inh B/FSH, but statistical significance was reached only for inh B (P < 0.001) in children with both unilateral and bilateral UDT. Apart from five patients with hypoechogenicity within the testis, all remaining testes were of homogenous echotexture with no instances of irregular echogenicity or tumor. Children with RI >0.6 were separately studied. The incidence of high RI (>0.6) was also comparable in unilateral or bilateral disease. These subjects had unfavorable biochemical parameters in terms of low inh B levels and high FSH levels. Conclusions: Our findings hint to the fact that palpable UDT forms a homogenous group, whether unilateral or bilateral, whereas impalpable testes may form a separate category and need further studies to substantiate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chinya
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Simmi K Ratan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Satish K Aggarwal
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Anju Garg
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - T K Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
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49
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England G, Bright L, Pritchard B, Bowen IM, de Souza MB, Silva L, Moxon R. Canine reproductive ultrasound examination for predicting future sperm quality. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 52 Suppl 2:202-207. [PMID: 27807899 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive potential of male animals is commonly evaluated using a breeding soundness examination incorporating B-mode ultrasound examination of the testes and recently Doppler ultrasound examination of the testicular arteries. These techniques may detect testicular normality or pathology, and while some measured parameters are associated with semen quality at the time of ultrasound examination, few studies have investigated the relationship with future semen quality. We hypothesized that B-mode and Doppler ultrasound measurements would correlate with future semen quality. Within two studies, we investigated the relationship between ultrasound measured testicular volume, testicular echogenicity, testicular homogeneity, subjective assessment of the testicular parenchyma, testicular artery resistance index, and pulsatility index with subsequent semen quality. Fifty-five normal fertile dogs of which 29 had stable semen quality and 26 had a subsequent decline in semen quality were examined during a 6-month period commencing 62 days after the ultrasound examination. Statistical analysis showed that no ultrasound parameters were predictive of future total sperm output or percentage live normal sperm. However, mean testicular echogenicity was positively related to future sperm motility (t = 2.202, p = .039). We conclude that quantitative ultrasound assessment of the appearance of the testicular parenchyma has potential for the evaluation of future semen quality in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gcw England
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - L Bright
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - B Pritchard
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - I M Bowen
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - M B de Souza
- Laboratory of Carnivore Reproduction, Veterinary School, Ceara State University, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ldm Silva
- Laboratory of Carnivore Reproduction, Veterinary School, Ceara State University, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - R Moxon
- Guide Dogs, National Breeding Centre, Leamington Spa, UK
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50
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Effects of single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure on the orientation of the vas deferens and testicular perfusion and volume: Experience from a single center. J Pediatr Urol 2016; 12:170.e1-5. [PMID: 26776746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) on the orientation of the vas deferens and testicular perfusion and volume in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. METHODS A total of 92 consecutively enrolled boys preoperatively diagnosed with a unilateral inguinal hernia underwent single-port LPEC between June 2013 and June 2014. The orientation of the vas deferens and the testicular perfusion and volume of these patients were ultrasonographically assessed preoperatively, one month after surgery and six months after surgery. RESULTS The surgical procedures were performed successfully without conversion or serious perioperative complications. Ultrasonography showed no angulation or distortion of the vas deferens on the surgical side during a six-month follow-up period. Similarly, there were no perioperative changes in testicular perfusion or volume. CONCLUSION Our experience suggests that the single-port LPEC technique can be safe and effective in pediatric patients with an inguinal hernia and that this technique does not affect the orientation of the vas deferens or testicular perfusion or volume.
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