Reproductive System, Male

Testis - Spermatocele

Narrative
Comment:
A spermatocele refers to the cystic accumulation or impaction of spermatozoa in a seminiferous tubule or duct causing it to increase to more than twice its normal diameter. If the diameter is less than this, the term “sperm stasis” should be used (see Testis - Sperm Stasis ). If the accumulation is accompanied by an inflammatory reaction, the term “sperm granuloma” should be used (see Testis - Sperm Granuloma ). Spermatoceles occur more commonly in the epididymis, but they are also sometimes seen within the testis, and particularly within the subcapsular rete testis of the mouse (Figure 1, asterisk and Figure 2). Spermatoceles can occur in association with reduced fluid absorption in the efferent ducts leading to sperm impaction and obstruction within the rete testis and adjacent seminiferous tubules. This can be a chemically induced finding, but in general spermatoceles are incidental, age-related findings. An association between age-related germ cell degeneration and spermatocele formation has been described.
Recommendations:
Spermatocele should be diagnosed when present, but need not be graded. They should be discussed in the pathology narrative only if they are considered treatment related. Bilateral involvement should be recorded when present.
Related Links:
Testis - Sperm Stasis
Testis - Sperm Granuloma
References:

Gordon LR, Majka JA, Boorman GA. 1996. Spontaneous nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions and experimentally induced neoplasms of the testes and accessory sex glands. In: Pathobiology of the Aging Mouse, Vol 1 (Mohr U, Dungworth DL, Capen CC, Carlton WW, Sundberg JP, Ward JM, eds). ILSI Press, Washington, DC, 421-441.

Abstract: http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008994685

Itoh M, Li XQ, Miyamoto K, Takeuchi Y. 1999. Degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium with aging is a cause of spermatoceles. Int J Androl 22:91-96.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10194640
  • Image of spermatocele in the testis from a male B6C3F1 mouse in a chronic study

    Testis - Spermatocele in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. There is a large spermatocele in the testis (asterisk).

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<p>Testis - Spermatocele in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. There is a large spermatocele in the testis (asterisk).</p>

Testis - Spermatocele in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. There is a large spermatocele in the testis (asterisk).
<p>Testis - Spermatocele in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. Higher magnification of the spermatocele in Figure 1.</p>

Testis - Spermatocele in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. Higher magnification of the spermatocele in Figure 1.