A rare case of isolated testicular tuberculosis and review of literature

Two Cases of Testicular Tuberculosis and Review of the Recent Literature

In this review, two cases of testicular tuberculosis (TB) are presented, and another 58 cases published in PubMed between January 1, 2012, and July 31, 2023, are reviewed. Testicular TB remains a disease mainly of the developing world, with one notable exception - the infections caused as a result of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin infusion immunotherapy for bladder cancer. Its clinical course is subacute; however, it might get disseminated and become life-threatening; therefore, prompt diagnosis is very important. The diagnosis can be quite challenging, and testicular tissue is the sample with the highest diagnostic yield, either for microbiological or histopathological diagnosis. On the other hand, its treatment follows the standard guidelines for TB treatment; however, the avoidance of an unnecessary orchiectomy is important.

Tuberculosis epididmorchistis masquerading as a testicular malignancy in HIV positive patient: A case report and literature review

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health concern, with this study focusing on tuberculous epididymo-orchitis. Genitourinary TB (GUTB) diagnosis is difficult using conventional methods like acid-fast staining, culture, and PCR. A case study involves a 22-year-old HIV-diagnosed male with a painless progressive testicular swelling. A radical orchidectomy revealed isolated tuberculosis epididymo-orchitis. The study emphasizes considering this diagnosis for testicular masses, recognizing the diagnostic complexity and potential need for surgical intervention in cases of ambiguity.

Isolated testicular tuberculosis mimicking testicular malignancy in a 45-year-old male treated at a tertiary hospital. Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Tuberculosis is prevalent in African countries especially in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV/AIDS is common. While Testicular tuberculosis is uncommon in the young as well as the elderly, pulmonary tuberculosis is commonly observed in these populations. History, physical examination, scrotal ultrasonography, and fine needle biopsy are important in diagnosis of suspected cases of testicular tuberculosis. Anti-TB therapy is the mainstay of treatment to ensure complete resolution of the lesion. However, in a few cases, orchidectomy is required for both diagnosis and treatment. When treating testicular tuberculosis, it is crucial to do a thorough assessment and investigations to exclude testicular malignancy because tuberculosis can present similarly to a testicular tumor.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a rare case of right sided isolated testicular tuberculosis in a 45-year-old male who came with right sided testicular pain and swelling. Blood workups and testicular tumor markers were all normal, scrotal ultrasound reported right heterogenous testicular mass with avascular areas of necrosis and septated fluid collections in the tunica vaginalis with features suggestive of testicular tumor. Right orchiectomy through inguinal approach was done, findings included testicular mass with pus pockets and caseous necrosis occupying the whole testis. Specimen was sent for histopathology which revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation, most likely tuberculosis, and ZN stain confirmed the diagnosis of testicular tuberculosis. In accordance with national TB guidelines, the patient had anti-TB medication for six months, and after 12-months serial follow-up, the patient had completely recovered.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Genitourinary tuberculosis is the second most common form of extrapulmonary TB after lymph node tuberculosis. 0.5 % of genitourinary TB involves the testes; On the other hand, isolated testicular TB as presented in our patient, is extremely uncommon, thus may mimic other testicular conditions including testicular tumor, so the diagnosis is challenging. It is important to accurately diagnose testicular TB and differentiate it from other scrotal pathologies especially testicular malignancy as the management is totally different. Testicular tuberculosis is diagnosed by tissue Cytology using FNAC or after an orchidectomy. It requires early, regular, full course combined anti-tuberculosis treatment. The drug treatment method uses three to four anti-tuberculosis drugs for 6-9 months. Surgical treatment is necessary if there is no response to drug treatment or in cases of abscess formation.

CONCLUSION

Testicular TB is a curable disease, but its diagnosis remains challenging. It is often missed owing to its non- specific symptoms. Thus, testicular TB should be suspected in patients with a notion of contagion or history of tuberculosis. Some of the radiological features are highly suggestive of testicular TB. FNAB could prevent unnecessary orchidectomy. In our case, the presentation was typically mimicking a testicular cancer and the patient underwent trans inguinal orchiectomy, and histology and ZN stain confirmed the diagnosis followed by subsequent six-month anti TB therapy.

Using ultrasound guided needle biopsy in conjunction with GeneXpert MTB/RIF to diagnose epididymal tuberculosis

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic utility of percutaneous ultrasound-guided needle biopsy conjunction with GeneXpert MTB/RIF for epididymal tuberculosis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the pathological and laboratory examinations of 20 patients with epididymal lesions undergoing ultrasound guided biopsy at Shandong Public Health Clinical Center. Laboratory examination included acid-fast staining, Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture by BACTEC MGIT 960, and GeneXpert MTB/RIF test. Diagnosis and complications were comprehensively analyzed. Among the 20 patients, 15 had epididymal tuberculosis and 5 had non-epididymal tuberculosis. Ten patients had granulomatous inflammation and necrotic tissues. The sensitivity and specificity of acid-fast staining, Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture, and GeneXpert MTB/RIF for the diagnosis of epididymis tuberculosis were 26.67% and 100.00%, 33.33% and 100.00%, and 86.67% and 100.00%, respectively. The diagnostic value analysis of the 3 detection techniques indicated that the GeneXpert MTB/RIF technique (Kappa = 0.765, Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.933) was superior to Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture (Kappa = 0.200, AUC = 0.667) and acid-fast staining (Kappa = 0.154, AUC = 0.633). Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy is a safe procedure. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF test has high sensitivity, specificity, and superior AUC value, which are of great value in the diagnosis of epididymal tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance detection.

Unilateral Testicular Infarction a Very Rare Complication of Genital Tuberculosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Genitourinary tuberculosis is the second most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in developing countries. Isolated genital TB is rare, but testicular infarction is an unusual complication of delayed management, in which surgical intervention is warranted.

Case Presentation

A 29-year-old male non-smoker presents with painful left scrotal pain of 21 days. Initially managed with intravenous antibiotics, the disease progressed and resulted in testicular infarction. Left orchiectomy was performed, and the specimen was sent for histopathological examination, which revealed features consistent with a testicular tuberculous abscess.

Conclusion

Tuberculous epididymo-orchitis (TBEO) with testicular infarction was unusual. It is prudent to consider this in patients presenting with long-standing urinary symptoms, particularly in those unresponsive to the initial antibiotic therapy. It requires a high index of suspicion, especially in TB endemic areas.

Viruses, bacteria and parasites: infection of the male genital tract and fertility

BACKGROUND

Infertility affects one couple out of six worldwide. Male infertilty can result from congenital or acquired factors, of which pathogens that reach the genital tract through sexual contact or blood dissemination. The impact of major viral, bacterial and parasitic infections on the male genital tract and fertility has been summarized.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

A systematic review of articles published in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases was conducted. It turns out that viruses, as well as bacteria and parasites are major inducers of male genital tract infections and ensuing infertility through damage to the organs and subsequent loss of function and/or through direct damage to the sperm cells. Moreover, not only male infertility results from such infections but these can also be transmitted to women and even to the offspring, thus highlighting the need to efficiently detect, treat and prevent them.

Clinical manifestations and immune response to tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a far-reaching, high-impact disease. It is among the top ten causes of death worldwide caused by a single infectious agent; 1.6 million tuberculosis-related deaths were reported in 2021 and it has been estimated that a third of the world's population are carriers of the tuberculosis bacillus but do not develop active disease. Several authors have attributed this to hosts' differential immune response in which cellular and humoral components are involved, along with cytokines and chemokines. Ascertaining the relationship between TB development's clinical manifestations and an immune response should increase understanding of tuberculosis pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms and correlating such material with protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem globally. Mortality rates have not decreased significantly; rather, they are increasing. This review has thus been aimed at deepening knowledge regarding tuberculosis by examining published material related to an immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mycobacterial evasion mechanisms regarding such response and the relationship between pulmonary and extrapulmonary clinical manifestations induced by this bacterium which are related to inflammation associated with tuberculosis dissemination through different routes.

Tuberculous peritonitis post orchiectomy for testicular tuberculosis; a case report and literature review

Tuberculous peritonitis, though rare, is a serious condition and its diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical symptoms and imaging findings. Likewise, tuberculous epididymo-orchitis is a clinical dilemma, as it often mimics testicular tumors. We report a case of a 62-year-old patient diagnosed to have TB peritonitis, following tuberculous epididymo-orchitis with review of the imaging features of both entities. A high index of suspicion and careful clinical assessment will help in early diagnosis and treatment of TB peritonitis, preventing potential complications. Moreover, testicular tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal mass.

Unusual association between testicular tuberculosis and microdeletion of the Y chromosome in an infertile patient with azoospermia

Introduction

and importance: Infertility affects approximately 10–15% of couples worldwide. Several causes are incriminated such as hormonal abnormalities, infections, genetic disorders, testicular cancer, varicocele, and others. Herein, we report a case of an unusual association between testicular tuberculosis and microdeletion of the Y chromosome in an infertile patient and we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old patient, a smoker, with no previous history consulted our department for primary infertility for 2 years. The clinical examination was normal. The sperm count showed azoospermia. karyotype analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a microdeletion of the Y chromosome. A testicular biopsy was performed. The microscopic analysis did not find any sperm cells. However, the histopathological examination was in favor of testicular TB. The patient received 6 months of anti-TB treatment. He remained azoospermic.

Clinical discussion

Azoospermia is defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate in two different samples. This condition is classified as obstructive and non-obstructive. The etiology of this condition is either an intrinsic testicular deficiency or an insufficient production of gonadotropins. Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities should be investigated due to the higher incidence in azoospermic patients compared to the normal population. Testicular causes are dominated by infections, trauma, ischemia, and iatrogenic causes such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Genetic causes are dominated by Klinefelter syndrome and Y-chromosome microdeletions.

Conclusion

Azoospermia is a frequent cause of male infertility. Several causes are incriminated such as hormonal abnormalities, infections, genetic disorders, and others. In some cases, this condition can be multifactorial.

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Infertility affects approximately 10–15% of couples worldwide.

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Several causes are incriminated such as hormonal abnormalities, infections, genetic disorders, and others.

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In some cases, this condition can be multifactorial.

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We report a case of an unusual association between a microdeletion of the Y chromosome and testicular tuberculosis.

Isolated tuberculosis of testis: A case report

Background

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis accounts for only 15% of new cases of tuberculosis. In extrapulmonary tuberculosis, usually affected areas include bone, pleura, lymph nodes, genitourinary system, joints, peritoneum and meninges. Tuberculosis epididymo-orchitis is an uncommon type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Case presentation

We reported a case of tuberculosis epididymo-orchitis and involvement of the left testicle in a 37-year-old male patient. The left testicle had a heterogeneous parenchymal echo, and multiple hypo-echo and ill-defined areas were evident in the left testicle. In the color Doppler ultrasound, the left testicle with the epididymis on both sides was completely hyperemic. The findings were primarily in the favor of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Therefore, after a 2-month first-stage treatment with four-drug therapy of anti-TB drugs such as rifampin 150 mg, isoniazid 75 mg, pyrazinamide 400 mg and ethambutol 275 mg, considering the weight of the patient (56 kg), 4 pills per day and the second phase with two-drug therapy, rifampin 150 mg and 75 mg of isoniazid, 4 pills per day for 4 months, extrapulmonary tuberculosis symptoms improved to a large extent.

Conclusion

To prevent epididymectomy and the effects that the disease may have on fertility, it should be tried to quickly diagnose and treat the disease at the same early stage of the disease.

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Presenting as a Testicular Mass: A Case Report

Background

Extrapulmonary drug-resistant tuberculosis is extremely rare and is almost always associated with poor treatment outcomes. This is partly due to the difficulty in confirming the diagnosis.

Case Presentation

A 40-year-old HIV-negative male presented with a painless scrotal mass, low-grade fever, general malaise, night sweats, and no pulmonary symptoms. He was initially treated for malaria with no improvement. His final diagnosis was rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis following Xpert^® MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert-Ultra) assay performed on a fine needle aspirate of the scrotal mass. Second-line anti-tuberculosis medication was initiated, and the patient is being followed up with directly observed therapy.

Conclusion

With the scale-up of Gene-Xpert technology, this case raises awareness about tuberculosis masquerading as a testicular mass and the possibility of extrapulmonary drug-resistant tuberculosis in high endemic areas.

Testicular tuberculosis: An uncommon complication after treatment of urothelial carcinoma

Tuberculous epididymo-orchitis is an uncommon complication after intravesical bacilli Calmette-Guerin therapy for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Spread of granulomatous disease through the genitourinary tract specifically to the testes occurs in 0.4% of treated patients. The following case presents a 77-year-old man who underwent intravesical therapy after transurethral resection of bladder tumor and developed testicular discomfort and a palpable mass 2 years after initiation of therapy. After wide range of serum and urine analyses, repeated testicular ultrasonography, and an unsuccessful course of antibiotics, the patient elected to undergo orchiectomy and was confirmed to have tuberculous epididymo-orchitis. Diagnosis based on imaging and laboratory serum and urine analysis may be elusive and therefore review of this entity and associated sonographic findings is discussed.

Urogenital tuberculosis - epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical features

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common cause of death from infectious disease worldwide. A substantial proportion of patients presenting with extrapulmonary TB have urogenital TB (UG-TB), which can easily be overlooked owing to non-specific symptoms, chronic and cryptic protean clinical manifestations, and lack of clinician awareness of the possibility of TB. Delay in diagnosis results in disease progression, irreversible tissue and organ damage and chronic renal failure. UG-TB can manifest with acute or chronic inflammation of the urinary or genital tract, abdominal pain, abdominal mass, obstructive uropathy, infertility, menstrual irregularities and abnormal renal function tests. Advanced UG-TB can cause renal scarring, distortion of renal calyces and pelvic, ureteric strictures, stenosis, urinary outflow tract obstruction, hydroureter, hydronephrosis, renal failure and reduced bladder capacity. The specific diagnosis of UG-TB is achieved by culturing Mycobacterium tuberculosis from an appropriate clinical sample or by DNA identification. Imaging can aid in localizing site, extent and effect of the disease, obtaining tissue samples for diagnosis, planning medical or surgical management, and monitoring response to treatment. Drug-sensitive TB requires 6-9 months of WHO-recommended standard treatment regimens. Drug-resistant TB requires 12-24 months of therapy with toxic drugs with close monitoring. Surgical intervention as an adjunct to medical drug treatment is required in certain circumstances. Current challenges in UG-TB management include making an early diagnosis, raising clinical awareness, developing rapid and sensitive TB diagnostics tests, and improving treatment outcomes.

Uncommon testicular localization of Disseminated TB: a case report from Mozambique

Tuberculosis (TB) of the testicle is a rarely reported and poorly described disease localization. There are no well-defined clinical features suggestive of testicular TB, which makes the diagnosis difficult to establish, especially in low-income settings like Mozambique, where TB is endemic and often associated with HIV-infection; both considered leading causes of death worldwide. We reported the case of a 45-year-old male, HIV positive, naïve to antiretroviral treatment, admitted to the Department of Medicine of the Central Hospital of Beira to investigate chronic enlargement of the testicles.

"The Great Masquerader": Sonographic Pictorial Review of Testicular Tuberculosis and its Mimics

Testicular tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon presentation of extrapulmonary TB. Although rare in incidence, it is a great masquerader and should be kept in consideration while assessing focal abnormalities involving the testis. Ultrasound findings alone may be non-specific and mimic other diagnoses including infection, inflammation, tumor, infarct, and trauma. The main objective of this sonographic pictorial review is to discuss the imaging findings, specific differentiating features against each differential and use of ancillary imaging findings whenever available. Concurrent involvement of epididymis, septated hydrocele, scrotal wall edema, and calcification of tunica vaginalis provides strong evidence in an appropriate setting. Available extratesticular ancillary imaging findings must be correlated for correct diagnosis due to non-specific imaging and clinical presentation. Misdiagnosis of scrotal TB may lead to otherwise avoidable epididymo-orchiectomy.

A case of disseminated tuberculosis mimicking metastatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) or miliary TB is defined as lymphohematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli, which may then affect virtually any organ system. The multiple organ involvement in disseminated TB can mimic metastatic cancer and can make the diagnosis challenging. False negatives are common therefore repeating microbiologic and histologic samples is essential.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a young immunocompetent patient presenting with multiple atypical extra-pulmonary TB involvement. The patient presented with pulmonary, pleural, bilateral testicular and multiple bone involvement including calcanerium abscesses. These lesions were initially described as metastasis by the radiologist. Therefore lymphoma and metastatic testicular cancer as well as TB were high on the differential in this young foreign-born male. Pleural, broncho-alveolar lavage, bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid acid-fast bacilli smear and microbiologic culture were all negative. However the histologic examination of the trans-bronchial biopsy and pleural biopsy showed necrotizing granuloma and helped to narrow down the diagnosis. The patient improved with RIPE therapy.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the diagnostic difficulty of disseminated TB with atypical organ involvement. Culture is the gold standard for diagnosing TB but is a long process and with 23% of culture negative TB in the United-States, the diagnosis sometimes relies on thoroughly ruling-out differential diagnosis and histologic examination.

Case series of genital tuberculosis

Genital tuberculosis (TB) is a rare, comprising <0.5% cases of extrapulmonary TB. Among cases of genitourinary TB, glandular TB is even rarer. Its a diagnosis of exclusion. Most patients present later in the course of disease due to the associated stigma in view of site of involvement and the hesitancy on the patients's part. We saw two such cases of nonhealing genital ulcers in immunocompetent males.