Rete tubular ectasia

Rete tubular ectasia , also known as cystic transformation of rete testis[1] is a benign condition, usually found in older men, involving numerous small, tubular cystic structures within the rete testis.

Ultrasound image showing tubular ectasia of the rete testis as an incidental finding in an 81 year old male

Presentation

It is usually found in men older than 55 years and is frequently found on bilateral testes but often asymmetrical.[1]

Mechanism

The formation of cysts in the rete testis is associated with the obstruction of the efferent ducts, which connect the rete testis with the head of the epididymis. They are often bilateral.[2]

Diagnosis

The condition can be detected with ultrasonography. Cystic lesions us usually found at the mediastinum testis with elongated shaped lesion displacing the mediastinum.[1] It is commonly associated with epididymal abnormalities, such as spermatocele, epididymal cyst, and epididymitis. The condition shares a common location with cystic dysplasia of the testis and intratesticular cysts. Unlike cystic neoplasms, they don't present specific tumor markers.[3] Another distinguishing feature is that tubular ectasia of the testes are confined only to the mediastinum, unlike testicular cancer such as cystic teratoma of testis which spreads throughout the testis.[1]

Treatment

Typically none is required, but they can be treated surgically if symptomatic.[3]

Additional images
  • Tubular ectasia of the rete testis
  • Tubular ectasia of the rete testis
  • Tubular ectasia of the rete testis

References
  1. Dogra, Vikram S.; Gottlieb, Ronald H.; Rubens, Deborah J.; Liao, Lydia (2001-10-01). "Benign Intratesticular Cystic Lesions: US Features". RadioGraphics. 21 (suppl_1): S273–S281. doi:10.1148/radiographics.21.suppl_1.g01oc15s273. ISSN 0271-5333. PMID 11598263.
  2. Nair, R; Abbaraju, J; Rajbabu, K; Anjum, F; Sriprasad, S (October 2008). "Tubular ectasia of the rete testis: a diagnostic dilemma". Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 90 (7): W1–3. doi:10.1308/147870808X303119. PMC 2728311. PMID 18831860.
  3. Bhatt, S; Jafri, SZ; Wasserman, N; Dogra, VS (March 2011). "Imaging of non-neoplastic intratesticular masses". Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (Ankara, Turkey). 17 (1): 52–63. doi:10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.3116-09.0. PMID 20677130.
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