Anatomic and hemodynamic evaluation of renal venous flow in varicocele formation using color Doppler sonography with emphasis on renal vein entrapment syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomic and hemodynamic properties of testicular venous drainage and its effects on varicocele formation and reflux using color Doppler ultrasound (US) with emphasis on renal vein entrapment syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Upper abdominal and scrotal US examinations of 35 varicocele patients and 35 healthy male subjects were performed in the supine position during rest, during a Valsalva maneuver and in the erect position. The aortomesenteric angle and distance (AMA and AMD, respectively), peak mean velocities (PVs) and diameters of different segments of renal veins, testicular vein diameters and duration of flow inversion were measured. RESULTS: In the varicocele group, the lateral segment of the left renal vein (LRV) had a larger diameter and slower PV, and the medial segment of the LRV had a smaller diameter and faster PV. The diameter of the dominant draining vein correlated with the PV of the medial and lateral segments of the LRV, whereas there was no correlation between the diameter of the dominant draining vein and the diameters of the right renal vein (RRV) and the lateral segment of the LRV or the PV of the RRV. The duration of flow inversion correlated with the diameter and PV of the medial segment of the LRV. No correlation between the diameters and PVs of the RRV and the lateral segment of the LRV was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The decreases in the AMA, AMD, diameter of the medial segment of the LRV and PV of the lateral segment of the LRV, and the increases in the PV of the medial segment of the LRV and the diameter of the lateral segment of the LRV in varicocele patients in all positions suggest the entrapment or impingement of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This has been defined as the "nutcracker phenomenon", which is known to affect varicocele formation.     

The effect of ejaculation time on varicose vein diameter and reflux level

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the time interval between ejaculation and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography affects the results of the varicose vein diameter and reflux time. Age, medication use, operation history, physical examination and semen analysis findings, varicose vein diameters and the presence of reflux and reflux time were evaluated prospectively in the patients older than 18 years of age who presented to the urology outpatient clinic with infertility and underwent scrotal Doppler ultrasonography and semen analysis. The time interval between the two scrotal Doppler ultrasonography for semen analysis was noted, the two results were compared. The patients were divided into four groups according to the time interval between ejaculation and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography. The study included 81 varicocele cases, with 57 left-sided and 12 bilateral varicocele. The varicose vein diameters were significantly larger after ejaculation than before ejaculation (p < .001). Similarly, the reflux time after ejaculation in all patients was significantly higher in scrotal Doppler ultrasonography performed before and after ejaculation at rest and during Valsalva manoeuvre (p < .001). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that a waiting time of at least 90 min must be allowed between ejaculation and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography.     

Ultrasonographic parameters of the spermatic veins at the inguinal and scrotal levels in varicocele diagnosis and post-operative repair

Varicocele has been identified as an important cause of male infertility where its influence on men's reproductive capacity is due to its markedly diverse effects on the testicles. This study aimed to assess the value of ultrasonographic parameters of the spermatic veins at the inguinal and scrotal levels in varicocele diagnosis and post-operative evaluation. Forty-five infertile men associated with varicocele and 15 fertile men were subjected to history taking, genital examination and semen analysis. In addition, inguinal and scrotal ultrasonography was carried out pre-varicocelectomy and 3 months post-varicocelectomy. At both the scrotal or inguinal levels, the mean spermatic vein diameter demonstrated significant post-operative decrease compared with the pre-operative resting condition and on Valsalva' manoeuvre. The mean diameters of the pampiniform plexus of veins also demonstrated significant decreases post-operatively compared with the pre-operative resting condition or on Valsalva' manoeuvre. It is concluded that colour Doppler ultrasound is a reliable and noninvasive method that is useful not only for diagnosis but also for post-varicocele repair follow-up.     

彩色多普勒对亚临床型精索静脉曲张不育患者的诊断价值

目的:探讨彩色多普勒(CDFI)对亚临床型精索静脉曲张(SVC)不育患者的诊断价值。方法:采用CDFI检测56例精液异常不育患者的精索静脉,观察蔓状静脉血管内径及血液返流时间,并行X线选择性精索内静脉造影对照分析。结果:平静状态下蔓状静脉内径为(2.24±0.16)mm;Valsalva运动时内径为(2.67±0.26)mm;返流时间为(1 487±203.66)m s,CDFI检测SVC的准确性为92.8%。结论:在男性不育的病因筛选中,CDFI检测对SVC的诊断比临床型精索静脉曲张更有意义。     

放射性核素阴囊血池显像技术诊断精索静脉曲张的临床研究

目的:探讨放射性核素阴囊血池显像(RSI)技术诊断精索静脉曲张(VC)的价值。方法:本组126例有男性不育1年以上病史、精液分析异常的患者分别接受临床体格检查(PE);RSI技术检查,计算两侧阴囊血池指数值(SBPI),并观察是否有精索静脉血液返流;以及彩色双功能多普勒显像(CDFI)检查,对VC进行分型、定度。将PE,RSI结果分别与CDFI结果对比。结果:PE、RSI诊断VC的灵敏度分别为:71.7%、96.5%,特异度分别为:69.1%、97.1%。RSI诊断VC的灵敏度、特异度均高于PE。结论:RSI技术是诊断临床型、亚临床型VC的简单、安全、有效的无创诊断方法,也是一种非侵袭性,更加客观、准确地诊断VC的有效方法。     

The role of Doppler ultrasonography in determining the proper surgical approach to the management of varicocele in children and adolescents

In a study from Italy, colour-Doppler ultrasonography was a reliable diagnostic tool in the preoperative assessment of patients with varicocele. The authors also found that it helped to distinguish those who could be treated laparoscopically from those who should be treated by microsurgical subinguinal ligature. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) is a reliable diagnostic tool for selecting patients with varicocele to undergo either laparoscopy or open microsurgical subinguinal ligation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a 3-year period, 42 boys affected by left varicocele were evaluated before surgery by inguinal and scrotal CDUS. Using this method it was possible to distinguish Coolsaet type-1 varicocele (due to isolated renal-internal spermatic vein reflux) and Coolsaet type-3 varicocele (due to associated renal-internal spermatic reflux and iliac-deferential reflux). Boys with Coolsaet type-1 varicocele were treated by a laparoscopic transperitoneal Palomo procedure, whereas those with Coolsaet type-3 varicoceles were treated by lymphatic-sparing microsurgical subinguinal ligation. RESULTS: The varicocele was Coolsaet type-3 in six patients (14%), who had microsurgical open surgery, and the remaining 36 (86%) had Coolsaet type-1 and had laparoscopic surgery. At the follow-up there was no venous scrotal reflux. In two patients in the laparoscopic group a hydrocele developed after surgery, which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that CDUS was a reliable diagnostic tool for assessing boys with varicocele. It clearly distinguished Coolsaet-type 1 varicoceles that can be treated laparoscopically, from Coolsaet type-3 varicoceles that should be treated with microsurgical subinguinal ligature.     

Is selective internal spermatic venography necessary in detecting recurrent varicocele after surgical repair?

OBJECTIVES: Surgical varicocele repair can be complicated by postoperative recurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography (SCDU) and selective internal spermatic venography (SISV) in detecting recurrent venous reflux after conventional varicocelectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 men (mean age 30.1 +/- 4.3 years) with a persisting left unilateral varicocele and abnormal semen parameters more than 12 months after conventional varicocele repair were evaluated with physical examination, semen analyses, SCDU and SISV. RESULTS: The median interval between primary varicocelectomy and presentation was 13 (range 12-16) months. Physical examination at that time revealed a grade- I left varicocele in 22 and a grade-II left varicocele in 14 patients. Semen analyses showed oligoasthenozoospermia in 30 patients (83%), asthenozoospermia in 4 (11%) and oligozoospermia in 2 (6%). Although all patients had reflux on SCDU, SISV confirmed reflux in 8 (22%) cases. SISV was not able to document recurrence in 28 cases (78%) that were detected by SCDU. CONCLUSIONS: Considering clinical findings, confirmed with SCDU, and semen parameters as the reference point in the diagnosis of recurrent varicocele, the sensitivity of SISV in the radiological documentation of recurrence was 22%. SISV was unable to document the recurrence in 78% of cases implying that reflux was not through internal spermatic veins. Thus, we conclude that SISV is neither necessary nor sufficient in the evaluation of recurrent varicocele.     

Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicocele: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of our experience in correcting primary varicocele using a modified technique of antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 1997 to February 2000, 201 patients with primary varicocele underwent antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy. Before treatment all patients were evaluated by a physical examination, colour Doppler ultrasonography of the spermatic cord, and abdominal and scrotal ultrasonography. Sperm samples were analysed only in patients aged > 18 years. The treatment was administered using a special venous catheter system with a Y-adapter. Complications after treatment and the rate of persistence of reflux were assessed 3 and 6 months after the antegrade scrotal treatment, by clinical examination and colour-Doppler ultrasonography of the spermatic cord. RESULTS: The mean operative duration was 15 min; there were no significant complications during treatment and all patients were discharged within 4 h. Complications after treatment occurred in 10 of the 201 patients (5%); four patients had epididymo-orchitis, three a scrotal haematoma, one a surgical wound infection, one persistent scrotal pain and one persistent flank pain on the same side as the surgery. Reflux was persistent in 12 patients (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a simple, minimally invasive and highly effective technique for blocking spermatic vein reflux, with a low rate of complications. The technical changes simplified the cannulation of the spermatic vein and facilitated antegrade phlebography and sclerotherapy using the air-block technique.     

Challenging the role of cremasteric reflux in the pathogenesis of varicocele using a new venographic approach

PURPOSE: Cremasteric or extrafunicular reflux is considered by many a major cause of primary and recurrent varicocele. Therefore, surgical techniques that allow ligation of the intrafunicular and extrafunicular veins are often performed. We evaluated the incidence of cremasteric reflux in patients with primary or recurrent varicocele with a new and simple venographic technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 73 patients with primary (54) or recurrent (19) varicocele underwent venography of the left iliac vein while standing and performing Valsalva's maneuver to reveal the possible presence of reflux in cremasteric or other extrafunicular veins. In patients with recurrent varicocele antegrade transcrotal spermatic venography was also performed immediately before surgery. RESULTS: None of the patients presented with reflux of contrast material from the left iliac vein to the left pampiniform plexus via the extrafunicular veins. Cremasteric veins, in particular, were always continent at the confluence with the epigastric vein even when grossly dilated at spermatic antegrade venography in recurrent cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cremasteric reflux seems to have a limited role if any in the pathogenesis of primary and even recurrent varicocele. Dilatation of the extrafunicular veins is not necessarily a sign of reflux but may represent only a consequence of venous overflow due to insufficiency of the internal spermatic vein and possibly partial obstruction of the left iliac vein. The rationale of surgical treatments aimed at ligation of the extrafunicular veins should be questioned.     

A rare cause of infertility: intratesticular varicocele associated with ipsilateral extratesticular varicocele

Intratesticular varicocele is an uncommon condition with variable sonographic appearence and identified as dilated intratesticular veins lying from the mediastinum through testicular parenchyma. We present a case of a 20‐year‐old male, married and unable to conceive for 2 years. Routine scrotal sonography disclosed extratesticular varicocele which was associated with ipsilateral intratesticular varicocele. Colour Doppler ultrasonography should be the first choice modality of imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Detection of intratesticular varicocele is essential because it is one of the most common recoverable reasons of male infertility.     

The role of color Doppler ultrasound in prediction of the outcome of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy

PURPOSE: Overdiagnosis and undertreatment of varicocele may be responsible for the poor outcome of varicocelectomy. In this study we used color Doppler ultrasound for accurate diagnosis and grading of varicocele, and for predicting the outcome of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients undergoing microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy for treatment of infertility were included in this study. Patients were evaluated with routine history, physical examination, semen analysis, hormonal assessment and scrotal ultrasound, and Doppler. After varicocelectomy improvement index in sperm concentration was calculated by dividing the difference between the postoperative and preoperative sperm concentration by the preoperative sperm concentration. Improvement index greater than 0.5 is considered a good outcome. Statistical analysis was done to study the correlation between microsurgical varicocelectomy outcome and testicular vein diameter at the inferior pole of the testis, and the degree of reflux measured by color Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: Improvement index in sperm concentration, motility and morphology more than 0.5 was achieved in 58.8%, 27.3% and 17.6% of cases, respectively. We found that patients with a testicular vein diameter at the inferior pole of the testis of more than 2.5 mm have a significantly higher improvement index in sperm concentration, motility and morphology than patients with a testicular vein diameter less than 2.5 mm (p = 0.006, 0.016 and 0.041, respectively). We also found that patients with clear reflux detected by color Doppler ultrasound at the inferior pole of the testis have a significantly higher improvement index in sperm concentration, motility and morphology than patients with reflux detected only in the supratesticular venous channels (p = 0.013, 0.015 and 0.045, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Color Doppler ultrasound is a useful tool for accurate diagnosis and grading of varicocele, and for predicting the outcome of varicocelectomy. We recommend varicocelectomy in cases of testicular vein diameter greater than 2.5 mm and in cases of reflux detected at the veins at the lower pole of the testis.     

Diagnosis of varicocele and postoperative evaluation using inguinal ultrasonography

Ultrasonographic real-time imaging and measurements of spermatic veins in the inguinal canal were evaluated in two groups of patients: 20 young men with varicocele and 18 controls. Examinations were performed with the patient in an upright relaxed position, and performing the Valsalva maneuver. The increase in diameter of the main vein during Valsalva maneuver was considered to quantitatively represent venous reflux. The data obtained were correlated with pre- and postoperative clinical findings. This method of evaluation proved to be a useful noninvasive diagnostic modality for detecting varicocele and for assessing treatment results. On the basis of venous diameters and reflux values, a classification of varicocele is proposed. Such an objective method of grading would eliminate the subjective impression and interpretation factors of the examiner.     

The relationship between saphenofemoral junction insufficiency and varicocele

The aim of the study was to investigate whether or not there is a significant relationship between varicocele and SFJ insufficiency. This study included 200 men with (study group) and 200 men without (control group) primary varicocele which was initially diagnosed by observation during the Valsalva manoeuver. Subsequently, scrotal and lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography (USG) was performed by a senior radiologist, and participants with testicular veins >3.0 mm in diameter and reverse blood flow were determined to have varicocele. SFJ insufficiency was defined as retrograde flow in the SFJ of longer than 0.5 s. Retrograde venous flow in the pampiniform plexus was determined 3.5% (study) versus 0.0% (control) and 77.0% (study) versus 0.0% (control) in the right testis and left testis, respectively, and bilaterally at 11.5% (study) versus 0.0% (control). The presence of SFJ insufficiency was also found to be higher in the study group than in the control group (unilaterally: 26.0% versus 15.0%; bilaterally: 14.0% versus 5.0%). The current study demonstrates a statistically significant relationship between varicocele and SFJ insufficiency and supports the argument that varicocele is not a local disease and may be attributable to a systemic vascular insufficiency. Additional studies with larger series are needed to further elucidate this topic.     

Comparison between thermography and venous scintigraphy of the scrotum in the diagnosis of varicocele

Fifty-one consecutive infertile men were examined for the presence of (sub)clinical varicocele with both scrotal thermography and venous radionuclide scintigraphy. Venous scintigraphy with 99^mTC yielded false negative results in about half of the patients suspected of varicocele because of clinical findings and/or abnormal scrotal thermography. Venous scintigraphy cannot serve as an alternative for scrotal thermography for the detection of spermatic venous reflux in varicocele.     

Doppler超声对精索静脉曲张不育患者生育力的估价

目的　研究Doppler超声对精索静脉曲张不育男性的诊断价值。 方法　本研究采用Doppler超声 ,对 82例精索静脉曲张所致不育患者的精索静脉的管径和血液返流进行了测定 ,同时结合这些患者的阴囊温度、睾丸体积、精液质量进行分析。 82例患者中随机选择了 4 1例进行精索内静脉高位结扎术。结果　 (1)精索静脉的管径与生育力指数呈负相关 ,而与血液返流的Doppler分级呈正相关。 (2 )在手术病人中 ,术前Doppler检测发现精索静脉内有血液返流者其术后效果较无返流者为好。结论　结果提示精索静脉的管径可能反映了精索静脉中血液返流的时间和严重程度 ,并且结合精液分析可估价精索静脉曲张患者生育力损害的程度     

Role of Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis and treatment of varicocele

Varicocele is a frequent condition in male population. Our objectives were to asses the role of Doppler ultrasonography in varicocele diagnosis, evaluation of surgical outcome and identify predictive factors for infertility. We studied 45 patients (21-46 years old), Doppler ultrasonography being used to determine the stage and reflux grade. In all patients presence of anti-spermatic antibodies was assessed. 27 patients were surgical treated. Postoperatively, presence or absence of reflux was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography. Spermogram was repeated in infertile patients. Our patients presented stage I (12 cases), stage II (18 cases) or stage III varicocele (15 cases). 16 patients (35%) were infertile (12 with grade III and 4 with grade II reflux), in 10 of these patients high levels of anti-spermatic antibodies being detected. Postoperatively, venous reflux was absent in all 27 patients. Among infertile patients, 80% of those younger than 25 years, 42% of those with ages between 25-30 years and none of those over 30 presented postoperative improvements of spermogram. Doppler ultrasonography is a non-invasive investigation for diagnosis, evaluation of venous reflux and detection of intratesticular varicocele. Opportunity of surgical treatment and evaluation of operative outcome can be determined using Doppler ultrasonography.     

A case of non-traumatic rupture of varicocele

We report a case of a non-traumatic rupture of varicocele. A 28-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of left scrotal swelling with severe spontaneous pain of sudden onset after straining for defecation. MRI revealed a dilated spermatic cord with scrotal hematoma surrounding the left testis, which leads to the diagnosis of varicocele rupture. Conservative treatment with oral analgesics for a couple of weeks relieved the swelling and pain. Subinguinal microscopic ligation of left spermatic veins was performed 4 months later.     

Multiparametric evaluation of testicular atrophy due to varicocele

63 men with palpable left varicoceles were evaluated by semen analysis, scrotal ultrasonography, Doppler sonography, scrotal contact thermography, and radionuclide scanning. 11 (17.4%) patients had bilateral varicoceles detected by scrotal ultrasonography as compared with an incidence of 3.1% by scrotal palpation. Testicular atrophy was found in 29 (46%) patients by scrotal ultrasonography. This was found to be 39.6% by scrotal palpation alone. In this study using advanced diagnostic procedures, the incidences of bilateral varicocele and testicular atrophy due to varicocele were found to be much higher than when scrotal palpation alone was performed.     

阴囊超声显像在无精子症病因诊断中的应用价值

目的:探讨阴囊超声显像在无精子症病因诊断中的应用价值。方法:对96例无精子症患者行阴囊超声检查,将声像图与最终诊断结果进行对比分析。结果:依据声像特征96例患者中35例提示为梗阻性无精子症,61例提示为非梗阻性无精子症,诊断准确率为97.0%。梗阻病例中44.4%的患者可依据声像特征对梗阻病因及部位作出提示,与最终诊断完全符合;非梗阻病例中46.7%的患者可依据声像特征对病因及部位作出提示,诊断准确率为75.0%。其余病例可对病因作出方向性提示,缩小进一步检查的范围。结论:应用阴囊超声显像可对无精子症病因做出诊断或方向性提示,是无精子症患者重要的检查手段。     

Color doppler ultrasound criteria to diagnose varicoceles: correlation of a new scoring system with physical examination

Objectives

Color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) diagnostic criteria for varicoceles are poorly defined, and the role of CDU in diagnosing varicoceles is controversial. The purpose of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CDU for varicoceles compared to physical examination.

Methods

We prospectively studied 64 patients with CDU and collected the following data: maximum diameter of scrotal veins, the presence of a venous plexus, sum of the diameter of up to six veins of the plexus, and the duration and amplitude of flow change on Valsalva maneuver. To avoid interphysician variation, all patients were examined by one designated senior urologist with the sonographer remaining unaware of the findings.

Results

CDU parameters of 127 testis units in 64 patients were analyzed and compared to the physical findings. Fifty-nine testis units were positive and 57 units were negative for varicocele on physical examination. In 11 testis units, results of physical examination were inconclusive regarding the presence of varicocele. The commonly accepted CDU criterion for varicocele (maximal vein diameter of 3 mm or greater) had a sensitivity of 53% and specificity of 91% compared to physical examination. We developed a new scoring system incorporating the maximal venous diameter (score 0 to 3), the presence of a venous plexus and the sum of the diameters of veins in the plexus (score 0 to 3), and the change of flow on Valsalva maneuver (score 0 to 3). Using a total score of 4 or more to define the presence of CDU-positive varicocele, we observed a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 85% when compared to physical examination. All moderate to large varicoceles found on physical examination were positive by CDU diagnosis using the scoring system, but the same group had only a 68% positive rate by traditional CDU diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions

Using the proposed new scoring system, CDU has been shown to be a reliable and accurate method of diagnosis for varicoceles compared to the current reference standard physical examination. CDU has the advantages of being able to objectively examine venous plexus and measure blood flow parameters and to be less observer-dependent than physical examination. UROLOGY 50: 953-956, 1997.