Analysis of intratesticular arterial anatomy with emphasis on transmediastinal arteries.

PURPOSE

The vascular anatomic features of the testis were studied with color Doppler ultrasound to determine the prevalence and anatomic relationships of transmediastinal arteries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty testes in 26 men were prospectively examined to identify and analyze transmediastinal arteries by means of color Doppler equipment optimized for detection of slow blood flow.

RESULTS

Transmediastinal arteries were present in 26 testes (52%). In the 24 men in whom both testes were evaluated, transmediastinal arteries were unilateral in 12 men (50%), bilateral in six men (25%), and absent in six men (25%). In four testes, transmediastinal arteries were multiple; in the rest, they were single. In most testes, they occurred in the superior half of the testis. Only three transmediastinal arteries (6%) branched within the testicular parenchyma. Seventeen transmediastinal veins were seen in 13 testes (26%). Ten of these 17 veins (59%) were paired with transmediastinal arteries; the seven others (41%) were isolated.

CONCLUSION

Transmediastinal arteries occur in approximately one-half of normal testes and should be considered normal.