Scrotal ultrasonography for treatment choice of obstructive azoospermia / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the value of scrotal ultrasonography for choice of treatment of obstructive azoospermia. Methods: Totally 93 obstructive azoospermia patients were prospectively collected for scrotal ultrasound to evaluate whether the epididymis and vas deferens were intact, dilated or calcified. The diameter of epididymal duct and vas deferens were measured. Then the patients were divided into sperm extraction group (n=27) or vasal reconstruction group (n=66) according to the treatment. The etiology and sonographic appearances were compared between groups. The cut-off values of ultrasonic parameters were evaluated by ROC curve, followed by the sensitivity, specificity, positive predicative value, negative predicative value and accuracy. Results: There were significant differences of epididymal morphology, vas deferens dysplasia, calcification, and the diameter of epididymal duct between 2 groups (all P<0.05). Taken 0.55 mm for the cut-off value of diameter of epididymal duct, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of correctly identifying the patients suitable for sperm extraction was 87.47%, 86.70%, 77.82%, 92.76% and 87.03%, respectively. Conclusion: Scrotal ultrasonography plays an important role in guiding treatment for patients with obstructive azoospermia.