Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Testicular ultrasound (US) is routinely employed in the evaluation of reproductive and sexual function. However, its use for characteristics other than testicular volume is hampered by a lack of information on the prognostic value of its findings, which to date have only been incorporated in a score proposed by Lenz et al in 1993. OBJECTIVES: We sought to explore whether testicular US examination can predict the quality of spermatogenesis and provide information on testicular endocrine function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 6210 testicular US examinations, finally selecting examinations from 2230 unique men. The following variables were considered: bitesticular volume and testicular asymmetry, parenchymal echotexture, echogenicity and presence of microlithiasis, solid lesions and varicocoele. Concurrent fasting hormonal data were available for 1160 men, while 979 had a semen sample available from the same day as the US examination. RESULTS: We derived a new US score, termed TU score, that can predict both impaired spermatogenesis (AUC 0.73, sensitivity 72%, specificity 61%, P 

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/andr.12822

Type

Journal article

Journal

Andrology

Publication Date

09/2020

Volume

8

Pages

1051 - 1063

Keywords

hypogonadism, infertility, spermatogenesis, testicular endocrine function, testicular ultrasound, testosterone, Adult, Gonadal Steroid Hormones, Humans, Male, Retrospective Studies, Semen Analysis, Spermatogenesis, Testis, Ultrasonography