Polyorchidism: sonographic and magnetic resonance image findings

Embryological basis of polyorchidism including classification, reproductive potential, and risk of malignancy: A review

Polyorchidism, a congenital malformation characterized by supernumerary testes (SNTs), is usually revealed incidentally during ultrasound or open scrotal surgery. In the approximately 200 cases so far published in the literature, the left side is affected more often than the right. Despite the rarity of this anomaly, a surgeon must have basic knowledge of its embryological basis and classifications to implement proper treatment and avoid overlooking it, since the consequences could harm the patient. This review summarizes previous classifications. It can be assumed that determining the risk of malignancy, and the level of reproductive potential based on location, vascularization, ductus deferens drainage, and environmental factors (e.g., temperature) affecting the SNTs, indicates the best approach to management. Therefore, we have created a new classification based on previous ones, addressing the aforementioned issues, which will guide the clinician to select the most appropriate treatment.

Inguinal Polyorchidism Found Incidentally During Orchiopexy in 9-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Review of Orchiopexy of Nonscrotal Supernumerary Testes

Polyorchidism, the presence of more than two testes, usually presents as a painless scrotal mass or is diagnosed incidentally during the management of another condition.1 It is a rare congenital abnormality with approximately 200 reported cases in the literature. Most cases are found on the left side within the scrotum. We report a case of right-sided polyorchidism in a 9-year-old patient found incidentally during inguinal orchiopexy. As there is debate on the management of polyorchidism, a careful approach is required as the surgeon must decide between either scrotal fixation or the removal of the supernumerary testis. This case report will discuss the anatomical and clinical considerations when making this decision.

Multiple Survival Outcome Prediction of Glioblastoma Patients Based on Multiparametric MRI

PURPOSE

Construction of radiomics models for the individualized estimation of multiple survival stratification in glioblastoma (GBM) patients using the multiregional information extracted from multiparametric MRI that could facilitate clinical decision-making for GBM patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 134 eligible GBM patients were selected from The Cancer Genome Atlas. These patients were separated into the long-term and short-term survival groups according to the median of individual survival indicators: overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS). Then, the patients were divided into a training set and a validation set in a ratio of 2:1. Radiomics features (n = 5,152) were extracted from multiple regions of the GBM using multiparametric MRI. Then, radiomics signatures that are related to the three survival indicators were respectively constructed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression for each patient in the training set. Based on a Cox proportional hazards model, the radiomics model was further constructed by combining the signature and clinical risk factors.

RESULTS

The constructed radiomics model showed a promising discrimination ability to differentiate in the training set and validation set of GBM patients with survival indicators of OS, PFS, and DSS. Both the four MRI modalities and five tumor subregions have different effects on the three survival indicators of GBM. The favorable calibration and decision curve analysis indicated the clinical decision value of the radiomics model. The performance of models of the three survival indicators was different but excellent; the best model achieved C indexes of 0.725, 0.677, and 0.724, respectively, in the validation set.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the proposed radiomics models have favorable predictive accuracy on three survival indicators and can provide individualized probabilities of survival stratification for GBM patients by using multiparametric and multiregional MRI features.

A rare case of polyorchidism in a 40-year-old man. A case report

Introduction

and importance Polyorchidism is defined as the presence of three testes or more. Approximately, there are about 200 cases of polyorchidism in the medical literature. In the past, surgical treatment was done but now with imaging studies, less aggressive approach is recommended.

Here we present a case of 40-year-old man who was diagnosed incidentally with polyorchidism in the right hemiscrotum which is quite unusual in this age.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a swelling and pain in the left hemiscrotum. In palpation, we noticed a scrotal mass in the right hemiscrotum. His parents had first noticed a scrotal mass when he was two years old and was incorrectly diagnosed as hydrocele by an unauthorized practitioner.

In the left hemiscrotum, Doppler confirmed acute epididymitis diagnosis that was treated conservatively with antibiotics and NSAIDs. In the right hemiscrotum, MRI showed that the lump had separate epididymis and shared a common vas deferens with the right testis, which confirmed the diagnosis of supernumerary testis and the patient underwent a follow-up ultrasound after a month and after six months of his presentation.

Discussion

Triorchidism is the most common type of polyorchidism. Polyorchidism is diagnosed incidentally hence it is asymptomatic. There are many types of Polyorchidism and tow classification have been described. When the patient is asymptomatic the concentrative treatment is recommended.

Conclusion

Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly in the genitourinary tract. It is diagnosed incidentally. Ultrasound or MRI are used to diagnose polyorchidism cases.

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This Case Report is about a rare condition (polyorchidism) in a 40-year-old man which is very unusual in this age.

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Diagnosis has been made by imaging studies only. No need for aggressive treatment in uncomplicated cases.

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This case report provided a brief review about the classification of Polyorchidism and other differential diagnosis.

When to ask for an MRI of the scrotum

Background

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the scrotum has been established as a useful second‐line diagnostic tool for the investigation of scrotal diseases. Recently, recommendations on clinical indications for scrotal MRI were issued by the Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology.

Objective

To update current research on when to ask for an MRI of the scrotum.

Methods

PubMed database was searched for original articles and reviews published during 2010–2021.

Results

Eighty‐three articles fulfilled the search criteria. Scrotal MRI is mainly recommended after inconclusive US findings or inconsistent with the clinical examination and should be asked in the following cases: differentiation between intratesticular and paratesticular lesions (in rare cases of uncertain US findings), characterization of paratesticular and intratesticular lesions (when US findings are indeterminate), discrimination between germ cell and sex cord‐stromal testicular tumors, local staging of testicular malignancies (in patients planned for testis‐sparing surgery), differentiation between seminomas and non‐seminomatous tumors (when immediate chemotherapy is planned and orchiectomy is delayed), assessment of acute scrotum and scrotal trauma (rarely needed, in cases of non‐diagnostic US findings) and detection and localization of undescended testes (in cases of inconlusive US findings). Although preliminary data show promising results in the evaluation of male infertility, no established role for mpMRI still exists.

Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI of the scrotum, by assessing morphologic and functional data represents a valuable problem‐solving tool, helping to improve our understanding on the nature of scrotal pathology and the process of spermatogenesis. The technique may improve patient care and reduce the number of unnecessary surgical procedures.

The Impact of Inflow Angle on Aneurysm Hemodynamics: A Simulation Study Based on Patient-Specific Intracranial Aneurysm Models

The inflow angle of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) can impact the hemodynamics of IAs, therefore it is likely to contribute to IA clinical rupture risk stratification. This study aimed to assess the effect of inflow angle on the hemodynamics of IAs, as well as its potential ability to predict IA rupture risk. A novel algorithm was developed to build a series of inflow angle models on patient-specific IA models, which were reconstructed from IA 3DRA image data of eleven clinical patients. Fully coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations were performed to quantify hemodynamic characteristics of the established IA models with various inflow angles. Hemodynamic parameters including wall shear stress (WSS), flow velocity, flow pattern, inflow zone, impingement region, pressure, and energy loss (EL) were calculated and analyzed. It was demonstrated from the analysis that a rise in the IA inflow angle is associated with the following hemodynamic changes: more direct blood flowed into the aneurysm sac, higher velocity at the upside of the aneurysm, upregulated flow velocity and WSS in the aneurysm, more complicated flow patterns, extended inflow zone, the impingement region moving upward from the neck to the apex of the aneurysm, and higher WSS and larger flow velocity at the inflow zone of the IAs. Therefore, the proposed method may be helpful in exploring the hemodynamic variations of IAs with inflow angles. The findings could be conducive to hemodynamic studies on the association between IA inflow angle and its rupture risk.

A Nomogram Predicts Individual Prognosis in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma by Integrating the Extent of Resection of Non-Enhancing Tumors

Background

The extent of resection of non-contrast enhancing tumors (EOR-NCEs) has been shown to be associated with prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (nGBM). This study aimed to develop and independently validate a nomogram integrated with EOR-NCE to assess individual prognosis.

Methods

Data for this nomogram were based on 301 patients hospitalized for nGBM from October 2011 to April 2019 at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. These patients were randomly divided into derivation (n=181) and validation (n=120) cohorts at a ratio of 6:4. To evaluate predictive accuracy, discriminative ability, and clinical net benefit, concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were calculated for the extent of resection of contrast enhancing tumor (EOR-CE) and EOR-NCE nomograms. Comparison between these two models was performed as well.

Results

The Cox proportional hazards model was used to establish nomograms for this study. Older age at diagnosis, Karnofsky performance status (KPS)<70, unmethylated O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) status, wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme (IDH), and lower EOR-CE and EOR-NCE were independent factors associated with shorter survival. The EOR-NCE nomogram had a higher C-index than the EOR-CE nomogram. Its calibration curve for the probability of survival exhibited good agreement between the identical and actual probabilities. The EOR-NCE nomogram showed superior net benefits and improved performance over the EOR-CE nomogram with respect to DCA and ROC for survival probability. These results were also confirmed in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

An EOR-NCE nomogram assessing individualized survival probabilities (12-, 18-, and 24-month) for patients with nGBM could be useful to provide patients and their relatives with health care consultations on optimizing therapeutic approaches and prognosis.

Sonographically indeterminate scrotal masses: how MRI helps in characterization

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the scrotum represents a useful supplemental imaging technique in the characterization of scrotal masses, particularly recommended in cases of nondiagnostic ultrasonographic findings. An accurate characterization of the benign nature of scrotal masses, including both intratesticular and paratesticular ones may improve patient management and decrease the number of unnecessary radical surgical procedures. Alternative treatment strategies, including follow-up, lesion biopsy, tumor enucleation, or organ sparing surgery may be recommended. The aim of this pictorial review is to present how MRI helps in the characterization of sonographically indeterminate scrotal masses and to emphasize the key MRI features of benign scrotal masses.

Normal testes asymmetry evaluated by apparent diffusion coefficient and magnetization transfer ratio

Background In humans, the left testis generally hangs lower than the right and the right is larger than the left. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents an important adjuvant modality in the investigation of testicular diseases. Purpose To assess if normal testes asymmetry is related to apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR). Material and Methods The normal testes from 106 men were included. Testicular volume (TV) was calculated by using the ellipsoid formula: length × width × height × 0.52. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed using a SS EPI diffusion pulse sequence and b-values of 0 and 900 s/mm^-2. Magnetization transfer imaging was obtained using a 3D GRE sequence both with and without an off-resonance radiofrequency pulse. MTR maps were obtained by the following formula: (SIo-SIm) / (SIo) × 100%, where SIo and SIm represent the signal intensity in the baseline image and that in the corresponding image acquired with an off-resonance MT pulse, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of testicular volume (TV), ADC, and MTR of both testes was calculated and compared using a paired sample t-test. Results The mean TV (mL) was greater ( P = 0.006) for the right testis (16.77 ± 4.84) compared to the left (15.97 ± 4.45). ADC of the right testis (1.09 ± 0.12 × 10 ^- 3mm²s^-1) was not different ( P = 0.064) from that of the left testis (1.07 ± 0.12 × 10^-3mm²s^-1). Differences ( P = 0.032) were observed between MTR of the right (46.6 ± 2.1%) and left testis (46.0 ± 2.2%). Conclusion The reported differences in paired testes size was confirmed, introducing a possible relationship with structural and functional asymmetry of normal testes, based on MTR.

Bilateral polyorchidism with ipsilateral two undescended testes: a rare congenital anomaly

Polyorchidism is defined as the presence of more than two testes. This rare congenital anomaly has been reported with only 140 pathologically proven cases in the published literature to date. While triorchidism is the most common variation and generally affects the left side, bilateral polyorchidism is even rare and only seven cases of patients with four testes have been reported in the literature. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the management of supernumerary testis due to its rareness. We report such a rare case of a 20-year-old male patient, who was presented with left-sided scrotal mass and right inguinal swelling and, diagnosed as polyorchidism including four distinct testes, with two of them in left hemiscrotum and the other two testes in the right inguinal canal. The patient underwent orchiopexy for the normal looking right-sided testis, and orchiectomy for the right-sided supernumerary testis being dysmorphic and potential malignancy risk. Histopathological examination confirmed the excised tissue to be severely atrophic testicle. The patient is still following with regular self-examination and scrotal ultrasonography. Polyorchidism should be keep in mind especially for the differential diagnosis of extratesticular and paratesticular masses. Physical examination may not be sufficient, and radiologic examination can provide accurate diagnosis. Conservative, extirpative or reconstructive approaches could be performed based on individual basis by reproductive potential and location of supernumerary testis, coexistence of other disorders and suspicion of malignancy.

Polyorchidism: two case reports and a review of the literature

Introduction

Polyorchidism is a very rare anomaly that is defined by the presence of more than two testes. Although its presentation is primarily as triorchidism, cases of four testes have also been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe color Doppler ultrasound findings in two cases. Patient 1 was a 37-year-old Arabic man with a scrotal mass and a double testicle in the right hemiscrotum visualized by ultrasound. Patient 2 was an 11-year-old Arabic boy with an inguinal mass resulted to be an additional testicle in the inguinal canal. The echogenic texture and vascular flow of supernumerary testicles in question were similar to those of the normal testicles; however, their size was smaller. After 3 years of follow-up, the tertiary testes in the two patients remained stable in both size and echogenicity.

Conclusion

Ultrasound plays a crucial role in the evaluation of masses. Notably, inguinal or scrotal masses should not always be considered as lymph nodes or tumors. Indeed, a radiologist should always keep polyorchidism in mind when such masses are encountered.

Functional supernumerary testis in a child with testicular torsion and review of polyorchidism

Histologically confirmed polyorchidism is an uncommon condition. The majority of cases are asymptomatic and associated with inguinal hernia or cryptorchidism. There are few reported cases of pediatric supernumerary testis presenting with testicular torsion. We present a case of missed torsion with incidentally detected triorchidism as well as an overview of pediatric polyorchidism.

Polyorchidism: color Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Polyorchidism, the presence of more than two testes, is a very rare anomaly. We report the color Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the case of a 20-year-old man with polyorchidism, presenting with an asymptomatic scrotal mass. Ultrasonography showed double testes with double separate epididymides sharing a common vas deferens in the left side of the scrotum. The double testes demonstrated similar echo texture and vascular flow as the normal testis, but smaller in size. Magnetic resonance imaging showed three testes very clearly and confirmed the diagnoses. After 2 years of follow-up, he was managed with surgical intervention. Pathology report revealed polyorchidism.

Scrotal sonography revisited

Sonography is the imaging modality of choice for the scrotum because it is simple, relatively inexpensive, and quick. Recent technological advances and transducer improvements have led to exquisite high-resolution detail in gray-scale as well as Doppler imaging. The purposes of this pictorial essay are to review the anatomy and embryology of the scrotal contents and to review the various scrotal and extrascrotal pathologic conditions, including acute scrotum, pediatric and adult testicular and extratesticular scrotal neoplasms, traumatic lesions, and miscellaneous other scrotal lesions.

Conservative management of polyorchidism in a young man: a case report and review of literature

Approximately 100 cases of polyorchidism have been reported in the literature. Management remains controversial especially if there is no associated abnormality identified. We report a case of triorchidism confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient has been managed conservatively and remains under regular radiological follow-up with MRI.

Polyorchidie chez l’enfant (à propos d’un cas avec revue de la littérature)

Polyorchidism is an urogenital curiosity defined by the presence of more than two testes confirmed by histology. This anomaly is extremely rare and only a hundred world cases were described in the literature. Although it can remain asymptomatic, polyorchidism is often associated to processus vaginalis anomalies in childhood (hernia, hydrocele) and undescended testis. The review of the literature finds cases of polyorchidism revealed by testis torsion and an increased risk of malignancy and infertility. We report the case of polyorchidism in a 14 year old child, at whom a painful testis mass indicate surgical exploration and documented the histological diagnosis of polyorchidism. Through this observation and review of the literature, authors describe pathological and managment findings of polyorchidism.