Testicular ultrasound score: A new proposal for a scoring system to predict testicular function.
Pozza C., Kanakis G., Carlomagno F., Lemma A., Pofi R., Tenuta M., Minnetti M., Tarsitano MG., Sesti F., Paoli D., Anzuini A., Lenzi A., Isidori AM., Gianfrilli D.
BACKGROUND: Testicular ultrasound (US) is routinely employed in the evaluation of reproductive and sexual function. However, its use for characteristics other than testicular volume is hampered by a lack of information on the prognostic value of its findings, which to date have only been incorporated in a score proposed by Lenz et al in 1993. OBJECTIVES: We sought to explore whether testicular US examination can predict the quality of spermatogenesis and provide information on testicular endocrine function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 6210 testicular US examinations, finally selecting examinations from 2230 unique men. The following variables were considered: bitesticular volume and testicular asymmetry, parenchymal echotexture, echogenicity and presence of microlithiasis, solid lesions and varicocoele. Concurrent fasting hormonal data were available for 1160 men, while 979 had a semen sample available from the same day as the US examination. RESULTS: We derived a new US score, termed TU score, that can predict both impaired spermatogenesis (AUC 0.73, sensitivity 72%, specificity 61%, P