Cystic dilation (transformation)

Testis and epididymis
Rete testis
Cystic dilation (transformation)

Author: Rafael Jimenez, M.D. (see Authors page)

Revised: 2 June 2017, last major update March 2012

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PubMed Search: cystic dilation rete testis

Table of Contents

Definition / general | Microscopic (histologic) description

Cite this page: Cystic dilation (transformation). PathologyOutlines.com website. http://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/testisretecysticdilationrete.html. Accessed July 15th, 2017.

Definition / general

Due to obstruction of epididymis or intratesticular excretory ducts
Also after hemodialysis and associated with calcium oxalate deposits in lumen of rete testis, efferent ducts and adjacent connective tissue (Hum Pathol 1996;27:336)
Identified in 1% of autopsy / surgical specimens in Spain (Am J Surg Pathol 1996;20:1231)
Usually bilateral
Causes: compression of epididymis by tumor of epididymis or spermatic cord, chronic epididymitis, ischemia, cirrhosis and cryptorchidism
References: Hum Pathol 1989;20:1065

Microscopic (histologic) description

Bilateral efferent duct atrophy, nodular proliferation of calcifying connective tissue, columnar transformation of rete testis epithelium and occasional papillary proliferations
No atypia, no mitotic figures