Testicular atrophy
Clinical story
44 years old male with long-standing left-sided varicocele and diminished size of the left testicle, which was removed. Gross appearance showed a small testicle and a spermatic cord with a substantially dilated vein plexus.
Comments
The cross section through the testicle reveals strands of atrophic tissue with hyalinized tubules or with seminiferous tubules of reduced caliber and with reduced number of germ cells. In some tubuli haploid cells in the form of round and elongated spermatids, as well as some sperms, are visible. Leydig cell accumulations are seen in the testicular stroma. Part of a dilated plexus pampiniformis can be seen adjacent to the testicle.
Learning goals
Recognize the pathological changes in atrophy and have knowledge about the different condition causing atrophy.