What is the term for collection of abnormal dilated veins posterior to the testes that extend to the spermatic cord?

What is the term for collection of abnormal dilated veins posterior to the testes that extend to the spermatic cord?

• A. Hydrocele
• B. Varicocele
• C. Spermatic cyst
• D. Epididymal cyst

Answer: (B)

Varicocele is dilation of the venous plexus (pampiniform plexus) behind the testis that extends along the spermatic cord. This is the finding described when abnormal, dilated veins lie posterior to the testicle. On ultrasound with color Doppler you’d expect to see multiple serpiginous veins in the pampiniform plexus behind the testis, with venous flow that worsens when standing or during Valsalva and may decrease when the patient is supine. Vein diameter is typically considered enlarged if greater than about 2 mm. This condition is contrasted with a hydrocele, which is a fluid collection surrounding the testis within the tunica vaginalis and appears as an anechoic area without venous flow. Epididymal or spermatic cysts are cystic structures in the epididymal region and also do not show the venous dilation and reflux pattern seen with a varicocele.

Varicocele is dilation of the venous plexus (pampiniform plexus) behind the testis that extends along the spermatic cord. This is the finding described when abnormal, dilated veins lie posterior to the testicle. On ultrasound with color Doppler you’d expect to see multiple serpiginous veins in the pampiniform plexus behind the testis, with venous flow that worsens when standing or during Valsalva and may decrease when the patient is supine. Vein diameter is typically considered enlarged if greater than about 2 mm.

This condition is contrasted with a hydrocele, which is a fluid collection surrounding the testis within the tunica vaginalis and appears as an anechoic area without venous flow. Epididymal or spermatic cysts are cystic structures in the epididymal region and also do not show the venous dilation and reflux pattern seen with a varicocele.