M R Pedersen1, P J S Osther2, F B Soerensen3, S R Rafaelsen4. 1. Radiology, Vejle Hospital - Part of Sygehus Lillebaelt, Vejle, Denmark. 2. Urological Research Centre, Fredercia Hospital - Part of Sygehus Lillebaelt, Fredericia, Denmark. 3. Clinical Pathology, Sygehus Lillebalt Vejle Sygehus, Vejle, Denmark. 4. Department of Radiology, DCCG South Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark.
Abstract
Introduction: We present a retrospective 2-year follow-up cohort of 103 men with testicular microlithiasis (TML) and discuss patient compliance and the value of surveillance. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients examined with scrotal ultrasonography (US) in the period from 2008 through 2010 was performed. A total of 103 men with TML were diagnosed and offered US follow-up every 6 months for 2 years. They were retrospectively analyzed regarding demographics and follow-up details, including the development of any kind of malignancy until March 2015, using the Danish Electronic Pathology Registry. Results: The prevalence of TML was 10.3%. Of the 103 men with TML, 23 (22.3%) had TML in the left testicle, 38 (36.9%) in the right (p=0.002), and 42 (40.8%) had bilateral TML. Patient compliance was low with 11.7% participating in all US follow-up examinations. 5 men presented risk factors (testicular atrophy (N=1) and previous testicular cancer (N=4)), but no cases of testicular malignancy were found in the follow-up period. Conclusion: The low patient compliance conflicts with the ESUR Scrotal Imaging Subcommittee guidelines that recommend scrotal US follow-up annually for TML until the age of 55 years. The fact that no cancers were found during follow-up using the pathology registry calls the value of follow-up into question.
Introduction: We present a retrospective 2-year follow-up cohort of 103 men with testicular microlithiasis (TML) and discuss patient compliance and the value of surveillance. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients examined with scrotal ultrasonography (US) in the period from 2008 through 2010 was performed. A total of 103 men with TML were diagnosed and offered US follow-up every 6 months for 2 years. They were retrospectively analyzed regarding demographics and follow-up details, including the development of any kind of malignancy until March 2015, using the Danish Electronic Pathology Registry. Results: The prevalence of TML was 10.3%. Of the 103 men with TML, 23 (22.3%) had TML in the left testicle, 38 (36.9%) in the right (p=0.002), and 42 (40.8%) had bilateral TML. Patient compliance was low with 11.7% participating in all US follow-up examinations. 5 men presented risk factors (testicular atrophy (N=1) and previous testicular cancer (N=4)), but no cases of testicular malignancy were found in the follow-up period. Conclusion: The low patient compliance conflicts with the ESUR Scrotal Imaging Subcommittee guidelines that recommend scrotal US follow-up annually for TML until the age of 55 years. The fact that no cancers were found during follow-up using the pathology registry calls the value of follow-up into question.
Entities:
Keywords:
follow-up; prevalence; testicular microlithiasis; testis cancer
Authors: Malene R Pedersen; Emily C Bartlett; Søren R Rafaelsen; Palle J Osther; Peter Vedsted; Maria E Sellars; Paul S Sidhu; Henrik Møller Journal: Acta Radiol Open Date: 2017-08-03
Authors: Malene Roland Pedersen; Henrik Møller; Søren Rafael Rafaelsen; Jens Kjølseth Møller; Palle Jørn Sloth Osther; Peter Vedsted Journal: Acta Radiol Open Date: 2019-09-10