COVID-19 and Male Infertility: Is There a Role for Antioxidants?

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), jeopardizes male fertility because of the vulnerability of the male reproductive system, especially the testes. This study evaluates the effects of the virus on testicular function and examines the potential role of antioxidants in mitigating the damage caused by oxidative stress (OS). A comprehensive PubMed search examined exocrine and endocrine testicular function alteration, the interplay between OS and COVID-19-induced defects, and the potential benefit of antioxidants. Although the virus is rarely directly detectable in sperm and testicular tissue, semen quality and hormonal balance are affected in patients, with some changes persisting throughout a spermatogenesis cycle. Testicular pathology in deceased patients shows defects in spermatogenesis, vascular changes, and inflammation. Acute primary hypogonadism is observed mainly in severely infected cases. Elevated OS and sperm DNA fragmentation markers suggest redox imbalance as a possible mechanism behind the fertility changes. COVID-19 vaccines appear to be safe for male fertility, but the efficacy of antioxidants to improve sperm quality after infection remains unproven due to limited research. Given the limited and inconclusive evidence, careful evaluation of men recovering from COVID-19 seeking fertility improvement is strongly recommended.

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) and male fertility: Something we should be worried about?

As of 2021, roughly 5 million deaths were linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection based on World Health Organization estimates. The pandemic takes its staggering death toll, severely affecting the healthcare systems and leading to detrimental implications globally. While the severe impact on the respiratory system is well-established, the exact effect on male reproduction is still largely uncharted territory. When it comes to gender, men appear more vulnerable compared to women. Increasing evidence suggests that COVID-19 adversely affects spermatogenesis and hormonal balance in diverse ways. Semen parameters seem to be compromised at least temporarily, while long-term worsening needs to be clarified in studies with extended follow-up. For the time being, no data support the adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccines on a male's reproductive health. In the present article, we examine the available literature and briefly discuss the impact of the virus on reproduction and fertility. We further provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of vaccination and its potential effect on male fertility. Ultimately, we address the need for future well-designed large-scale trials before drawing definite conclusions on the exact impact of the virus on a male's fecundity.

Juxta-Vesical Urinary Stones: An Extremely Rare Finding Secondary to Bladder Rupture and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Patient on Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization.

We present a rare case of juxta-vesical urinary stones in the lesser pelvis, incidentally diagnosed during the investigation of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The patient (male) had a history of neurogenic bladder and performed self-catheterizations. After the initial workup, the patient was admitted with a complicated UTI diagnosis. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis depicted multiple bladder stones, some calculi lying juxta- and retro-vesically, an abscess cavity, and diffuse thickening of the bladder. The abscess was adherent to the bladder wall, containing calculi, too. We presumed that the patient self-inflicted a bladder rupture when performing clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) and stones dislodged in the pelvis due to his poor bladder sensation. Flexible cystoscopy was attempted but was not completed due to stone obstruction and poor bladder compliance. The patient underwent open surgical exploration. Several calculi were removed, the abscess was drained, and bladder wall biopsies were taken. Pathology results revealed invasive squamous bladder carcinoma; the patient was listed for radical cystectomy. We aim to familiarize the clinician with rare complications that should be taken into consideration when treating patients on CISC and present an extremely rare clinical finding of juxta-vesical lithiasis.

More than meets the eye: A case of synchronous ipsilateral clear cell renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the pelvicalyceal system and literature review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The synchronous occurrence of renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis in the same kidney is extremely rare, although previously reported. With this study we aim to present our case and provide a literature review on this entity. METHODS: An otherwise healthy 43-year-old military male with the chief complaint of left plank pain was seen in the office. Imaging revealed the presence of a 3.5 cm left renal mass. Left laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed for presumed renal malignancy. Pathology confirmed the presence of a clear cell RCC and revealed an area of low-grade UC arising from the ipsilateral renal pelvis, not visible in the preoperative imaging. Furthermore, a Pubmed database search in English language was conducted, up to June 2021, to identify the rate of simultaneous RCC and UC of the renal pelvis or ureter in RN specimen performed for presumed RCC or renal malignancy and subsequent management in these cases. RESULTS: A total of 53 articles reporting on 56 patients with synchronous ipsilateral RCC and UC of the renal pelvis were identified, together with our case. Eight cases (14%) were initially managed with RN, thereby requiring further management of the ureteral stump. Of these, six (75%) were managed with distal ureterectomy, one (12.5%) with active surveillance of the ureteral stump, while one case (12.5%) did not report subsequent management. To our knowledge, we present the youngest patient recorded in the literature, with this histology combination presenting synchronously in the same kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, the final pathology report may reveal neoplasms of dissimilar histology that may involve the renal pelvis. It is crucial for urologists and pathologists to be vigilant of such cases during a solid renal mass workup. Additional therapeutic adjustments may be necessitated, derailing the initial treatment plan.

Obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as the initial presentation of penile paraffinoma: a case report and literature review.

Penile paraffinoma is a rare condition after penile injection of liquid paraffin or other mineral oils, with well-documented debilitating complications. Nevertheless, such injections are still performed by people of Eastern European and Asian descent for cosmetic penile augmentation. We report a case of penile paraffinoma in an otherwise healthy, 30-year-old male, with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as the sole complaint at presentation in the emergency department and a conservative approach. This case report describes an unusual presentation of penile paraffinoma in a young man and aims to raise public and physician awareness regarding disease manifestation to prevent high morbidity from delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Large irritation fibroma of hard palate: a case report of a rare clinical entity.

Fibromas are benign tumors of connective tissue common in the oral cavity but rare on hard palate. This paper reports on an asymptomatic, slowly growing mass on the hard palate of a 90-year-old lady, with a reported use of denture for two decades. The patient presented with a 2.2cm, smooth-surfaced, well-circumscribed nodule attached with a stalk to the palatal mucosa. After excision, the histopathological examination revealed a mass of fibrous connective tissue, covered by stratified squamous epithelium with focal low-medium grade hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. These findings were consistent with irritation fibroma of hard palate, a rare entity, which should be considered as a possible diagnosis for tumors of the area by every physician.

Be cautious of "complex hydrocele" on ultrasound in young men.

Hydrocele is the most common benign cause of painless scrotal enlargement and only very rarely can be reactive to an underlying testicular tumor. We present the case of a healthy young man, complaining of mild left scrotal discomfort and swelling. Physical examination revealed a non-tender fluctuant left scrotum and serum tumor markers were normal. Scrotal ultrasonography (US) showed a normal right hemiscrotum and testicle and a fluid collection among thickened irregular septations in the left hemiscrotum, a finding which was considered as a complex hydrocele. Intraoperatively the presumed "complex hydrocele" was in fact a multicystic testicular tumor. We proceeded with orchiectomy through the scrotal incision and pathology revealed a mixed germ cell tumor of the testis consisting of cystic teratoma, in situ germ cell neoplasia unclassified (IGCNU) and Sertoli cell tumor. This is the first reported case of this type of testis tumor presenting as complex hydrocele. The aim of this case presentation is to underline the need for an accurate preoperative diagnosis in cases of suspected scrotal pathology in young males.

Urothelial neoplasm in a 19-year-old male patient with urine discoloration, negative lab, and imaging workup: Should we investigate the findings or the symptom?

With few cases of PUNLMPs in young adults being reported in the literature, we hope to raise clinical awareness of prompt and effective diagnosis, while maintaining a high index of suspicion among health professionals. Even in the absence of red blood cells in the urine and subsequent negative imaging workup, clinicians should not delay performance of diagnostic cystoscopy.

Incidental finding of Zinner syndrome in a Greek military recruit: a case report of a rare clinical entity.

BACKGROUND: Zinner syndrome represents a rare congenital malformation of the urinary tract. It comprises a constellation of Wolffian duct anomalies and is almost exclusively encountered as a classic triad of seminal vesicle cysts, ejaculatory duct obstruction and renal agenesis. Patients can be either asymptomatic or symptomatic. Recently, minimally invasive surgical techniques have emerged, superseding traditional surgery for select symptomatic cases. Our case highlights the finding of a rare clinical syndrome that was incidentally detected during a routine mass screening of military recruits in the Greek Armed Forces. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we present a case of a 19-year-old male who reported having a solitary right kidney when examined in a military training center of Northern Greece. No additional clinical information was available; thus, referral to a tertiary urology department for further investigation ensued. Imaging studies, namely, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed left renal aplasia, multiple left seminal vesicle cysts, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. Laboratory values and urinalysis were within normal range. Semen analysis was significant for cryptozoospermia. Our patient remained asymptomatic during the entire hospitalization. Long-term follow-up was recommended. Nevertheless, he declined further investigation and sought treatment in a private practice setting. CONCLUSIONS: This article aims to present the incidental diagnosis of a rare syndrome in a military setting. Population screening conducted in the armed forces permits the identification of undiagnosed diseases that warrant further investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report of Zinner syndrome in a military recruit and the second case cited of a Greek patient in the published literature. Regular follow-up is the key to timely intervention in conservatively managed cases.

Vesicouterine Fistula (VUF) as a Rare Urogenital Complication Managed with Delayed Surgical Repair: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) represents a rare urogenital complication. It is considered to be the least common type of urogenital fistulas. Iatrogenic reasons have been shown to be the most prominent cause, with lower segment caesarean section accounting for approximately two-thirds of the cases. The highest incidence concerns young females of reproductive age. VUF can present with clinical symptoms varying from cyclic hematuria, amenorrhea, and vaginal leakage of urine to secondary infertility and first-trimester abortion. Quality of life (QoL) for patients having this pathology is strongly affected due to the psychological burden. Surgical excision of the fistula remains the mainstay of treatment, as less than 5% of patients respond to conservative therapy. Recently laparoscopic and robotic-assisted VUF repair started gaining ground with comparable results to open surgery. Herein, we presented the successful delayed surgical repair of VUF in a 32-year-old female patient. A review of the published literature was also performed, summarizing all the available evidence regarding this rare clinical entity.