Pronounced cystic transformation of the Rete testis. MRI appearance.

BACKGROUND Cystic transformation of the rete testis is a little-known partial or complete obstruction of the spermatozoa-containing secretion of the head of the epididymis. Depending on its severity, either ectasia or a cystic transformation occurs, which spreads to the network of convoluted seminiferous tubules in the mediastinum testis. Findings in contrast-enhanced MRI examinations are characteristic and may help to differentiate this benign entity from malignant neoplasia. The authors present two pronounced cases in different stages, documenting the broad spectrum of possible involvement.

[1]  T. Hüppe,et al.  Tubulusektasie des Rete testis als zystische Raumforderung des Hodens - kernspintomographischer Aspekt in 5 Fällen , 1999 .

[2]  R. Paniagua,et al.  Cystic transformation of the rete testis. , 1996, The American journal of surgical pathology.

[3]  J. Fracchia,et al.  Tubular ectasia of the rete testis: an ultrasound diagnosis. , 1995, Urology.

[4]  R. Older,et al.  Tubular ectasia of the rete testis: a benign condition with a sonographic appearance that may be misinterpreted as malignant. , 1994, The Journal of urology.

[5]  L. Medeiros,et al.  Cystic dysplasia of the testis. , 1993, Human pathology.

[6]  R. Mattrey,et al.  Tubular ectasia of the testicle: sonographic and MR imaging appearance. , 1993, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[7]  W. Middleton,et al.  Tubular ectasia within the mediastinum testis , 1992, Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

[8]  P. Doubilet,et al.  Cystic testicular mass caused by dilated rete testis: sonographic findings in 31 cases. , 1992, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[9]  B. Hamm,et al.  Testicular cysts: differentiation with US and clinical findings. , 1988, Radiology.