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Tubular Ectasia of the Rete Testis (TERT)

Definition

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis (TERT) is a benign cystic lesion of the testis with dilatation of rete testis tubules (Dieckmann et al., 2010).

Etiology of Tubular Ectasia of the Rete Testis

TERT probably results from epididymal obstruction, often together with spermatoceles. Vascular or hormonal causes are also associated with TERT.

Diagnosis of TERT

Ultrasound imaging of the testes: the size of the anechoic cysts in the area of the rete testis is variable but often less than 3 mm. The cystic area has a diameter of 1–3 cm, and three-quarters of all cases present with a spermatocele [fig. Ultrasound imaging of TERT].

TERT in ultrasound imaging of the testis (left longitudinal and right horizontal plane): tubular ectasia of the rete testis with spermatocele (visible in the right image).

Differential diagnosis:

Cystic teratoma, cystic testicular dysplasia, simple testicular cyst, epidermoid cyst.

Treatment of Tubular Ectasia of the Rete Testis (TERT)

Treatment of TERT is unnecessary. Sometimes, symptoms lead to spermatocele resection. Unclear cases with suspicion of testicular tumor necessitate inguinal approach to the testis and biopsy of the lesion.

References

Dieckmann, K.; Frey, U.; Feyerabend, B.; Pust, A. & Lock, G. [Tubular ectasia of rete testis : A pitfall in ultrasonographic diagnostics of intratesticular cysts.]
Urologe A, 2010

  Deutsche Version: Tubuläre Ektasie des Rete testis