Testicular microlithiasis in pediatric age group: ultrasonography findings and literature review

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the occurrence of testicular microlithiasis in pediatric age group by means of ultrasonography (US) examinations and to review the literature for pediatric testicular microlithiasis cases accompanied by testicular and extratesticular tumors.

Materials and methods: Nine children aged 3-16 years (mean age, 9.2 years) with testicular microlithiasis had been evaluated with US in a period ranging from 6 months to 6 years. In addition to the testicular ultrasonographic evaluation, liver US and abdominopelvic US were performed in all patients.

Results: Typical testicular microlithiasis findings were seen in a total of 17 testicles. In one patient, testis did not exist in either the scrotum or the inguinal canal or the abdomen unilaterally. None of the patients displayed a focal lesion during the evaluation. The abdominal ultrasonographic findings were normal in all patients.

Conclusion: Although no tumoral lesion accompanying testicular microlithiasis or occurring in the course of evaluation was detected in this study, larger population and longer control periods are required, considering the co-existence of benign and malign lesions with testicular microlithiasis in the literature.