A 25-Year-Old Male with Intermittent Right Inguinal Pain, Testicular Microlithiasis
Testicular Microlithiasis (TM) 1. Cause and Etiology Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is a benign condition characterized by the presence of multiple tiny calcifications within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. The exact cause is unknown , but several theories have been proposed: Degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium : Intratubular debris may calcify over time. Abnormal phagocytosis by Sertoli cells leads to the accumulation of laminated calcifications. Involution or scarring of testicular tissue due to trauma, infection, cryptorchidism, or other insults. Associated conditions include: Testicular germ cell tumors (e.g., seminoma, embryonal carcinoma) Infertility Cryptorchidism Klinefelter syndrome Testicular atrophy 2. Pathophysiology Microliths are composed of concentric layers of calcium phosphate that form within the lumina of seminiferous tubules . These structures are typically non-mobile and n...