Which lesion is caused by dilation of the epididymal tubules, found throughout the epididymis, and contains serous fluid, anechoic?

Which lesion is caused by dilation of the epididymal tubules, found throughout the epididymis, and contains serous fluid, anechoic?

• A. Simple Epididymal Cyst
• B. Spermatocele
• C. Epididymal abscess
• D. Epididymal cystic teratoma

Answer: (A)

A simple epididymal cyst is a dilation of the epididymal tubules filled with serous fluid, and it appears anechoic on ultrasound. These cysts are fluid-filled, have thin walls, and show posterior acoustic enhancement without internal echoes, reflecting their clear fluid content. They can involve any portion of the epididymis, though they’re often seen in the head. This makes them the best fit for a lesion described as containing serous fluid and being anechoic throughout the epididymis. In contrast, a spermatocele also dilates epididymal ducts but typically contains sperm and may have internal echoes or debris, often located in the head. An epididymal abscess tends to be complex with thick walls and internal debris, and it usually shows increased Doppler flow due to infection. An epididymal cystic teratoma would usually be heterogeneous with components like fat or calcifications. The plain, anechoic, fluid-filled appearance best matches a simple epididymal cyst.

A simple epididymal cyst is a dilation of the epididymal tubules filled with serous fluid, and it appears anechoic on ultrasound. These cysts are fluid-filled, have thin walls, and show posterior acoustic enhancement without internal echoes, reflecting their clear fluid content. They can involve any portion of the epididymis, though they’re often seen in the head. This makes them the best fit for a lesion described as containing serous fluid and being anechoic throughout the epididymis.

In contrast, a spermatocele also dilates epididymal ducts but typically contains sperm and may have internal echoes or debris, often located in the head. An epididymal abscess tends to be complex with thick walls and internal debris, and it usually shows increased Doppler flow due to infection. An epididymal cystic teratoma would usually be heterogeneous with components like fat or calcifications. The plain, anechoic, fluid-filled appearance best matches a simple epididymal cyst.