Where is the testis? The role of ultrasound and diagnostic laparoscopy for Crossed Testicular Ectopia (CTE): Case report and review of literature
Claudia Fede Spicchiale 1,3,4, Giuseppe Collura 1,2, Ludy Lopes Mendes 1,2, Ermelinda Mele 1,2, Laura Del Prete 1,2, Michele Innocenzi 1,2, Angelo Zarfati 1,2,3, Marco Castagnetti 1,2,3
Affiliations
Article Info
1 Pediatric Urology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
2 Department of Pediatric Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
3 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
4 Department of Urology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
5 Pediatric Urology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
Abstract
Crossed Testicular Ectopia (CTE) or transverse testicular ectopia is an anecdotic urogenital anomaly in which both testes are located on the same side, generally associated with a patent processus vaginalis (PPV). The condition can be detected by ultrasound. Nevertheless, the diagnosis is often missed preoperatively and CTE is recognized intraoperatively. Controversy exists regarding management and the role of diagnostic laparoscopy. The surgical technique depends on the anatomy of vas, vessels and testis found on surgical exploration. Diagnostic laparoscopy can be useful to rule out a vanishing testis and detect Müllerian remnants. We present the case of 8-months infant with no palpable testis on the right side and no signs of inguinal hernia, reporting the management and reviewing the scarce existing literature in this regarding.
Keywords
- Crossed Testicular Ectopia
- Laparoscopy
- Ectopia
- Testis
- Transverse Testicular Ectopia
- Urogenital Abnormalities