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Published in: European Radiology 2/2015

01-02-2015 | Ultrasound

Testicular microlithiasis imaging and follow-up: guidelines of the ESUR scrotal imaging subcommittee

Authors: Jonathan Richenberg, Jane Belfield, Parvati Ramchandani, Laurence Rocher, Simon Freeman, Athina C. Tsili, Faye Cuthbert, Michal Studniarek, Michele Bertolotto, Ahmet Tuncay Turgut, Vikram Dogra, Lorenzo E. Derchi

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Objectives

The subcommittee on scrotal imaging, appointed by the board of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR), have produced guidelines on imaging and follow-up in testicular microlithiasis (TML).

Methods

The authors and a superintendent university librarian independently performed a computer-assisted literature search of medical databases: MEDLINE and EMBASE. A further parallel literature search was made for the genetic conditions Klinefelter’s syndrome and McCune-Albright syndrome.

Results

Proposed guidelines are: follow-up is not advised in patients with isolated TML in the absence of risk factors (see Key Points below); annual ultrasound (US) is advised for patients with risk factors, up to the age of 55; if TML is found with a testicular mass, urgent referral to a specialist centre is advised.

Conclusion

Consensus opinion of the scrotal subcommittee of the ESUR is that the presence of TML alone in the absence of other risk factors is not an indication for regular scrotal US, further US screening or biopsy. US is recommended in the follow-up of patients at risk, where risk factors other than microlithiasis are present. Risk factors are discussed and the literature and recommended guidelines are presented in this article.

Key Points

Follow up advised only in patients with TML and additional risk factors.
Annual US advised for patients with risk factors up to age 55.
If TML is found with testicular mass, urgent specialist referral advised.
Risk factors – personal/ family history of GCT, maldescent, orchidopexy, testicular atrophy.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Testicular microlithiasis imaging and follow-up: guidelines of the ESUR scrotal imaging subcommittee
Authors
Jonathan Richenberg
Jane Belfield
Parvati Ramchandani
Laurence Rocher
Simon Freeman
Athina C. Tsili
Faye Cuthbert
Michal Studniarek
Michele Bertolotto
Ahmet Tuncay Turgut
Vikram Dogra
Lorenzo E. Derchi
Publication date
01-02-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3437-x

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