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Tubular ectasia of the epididymis: A sign of postvasectomy status.

Ishigami K, Abu-Yousef MM, El-Zein Y

Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA.

PURPOSE: To find out if "tubular ectasia of the epididymis" is suggestive of postvasectomy status. METHODS: Tubular ectasia of the epididymis is defined as enlargement of the epididymis with multiple interfaces (i.e., a speckled appearance). We found 24 cases exhibiting tubular ectasia of the epididymis over a period of six years. We reviewed the sonographic findings of tubular ectasia of the epididymis and evaluated the prevalence of associated findings. RESULTS: In 24 patients with tubular ectasia of the epididymis, 16 cases were bilateral, five were right-sided, and three were left-sided. Twenty-one patients had history of vasectomy, of the three remaining cases, 1 had history of inguinal hernia repair, one had prostatitis, and one had undetermined etiology. Associated abnormalities included dilated vas deferens (n = 4), tubular ectasia of the testis (n = 2), large spermato-celes (n = 6), hydrocele (n = 3), and varicocele (n = 4). In 2 cases, spermatic granulomas were suspected. CONCLUSION: Tubular ectasia of the epididymis is suggestive of postvasectomy epididymis. This sonographic feature is helpful in evaluating a patient with scrotal discomfort. However, this sign can also be associated with other causes of vas obstruction. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:447-451, 2005.

Published 5 December 2005 in J Clin Ultrasound, 33(9): 447-51.
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