Epididymal stones

Introduction Epididymal stones are also known in medicine as seminal vesicles, and stones that occur in the seminal vesicle are called seminal vesicles. It is extremely rare clinically. Due to chronic inflammation of the seminal vesicle, obstruction of the ejaculatory duct, retention of the seminal fluid, metabolic disorders, etc., inorganic crystals are deposited on the exfoliated epithelial cells and inflammatory exudates. Stones are often multiple, generally small, 1 to 2 mm in size, and the surface is smooth and hard brown. Seminal vesicle stones can occur in single or multiple cases, with few symptoms, occasional blood, ejaculation pain or perineal discomfort. The seminal vesicles are rare, the stones are round, hard and smooth.

Cause

Corriere reported that the composition of the seminal vesicles is very similar to that of pancreatic stones. The formation of pancreatic stones is related to the abnormal expression of secreted pancreatic stone protein. Therefore, the reason for the formation of seminal vesicles is due to the lack of protease in semen.

Pathogenesis: seminal vesicles are often associated with chronic inflammatory changes and fibrosis, and the seminal vesicles can be completely blocked. The seminal vesicle stones can be single or multiple, the core is epithelial cells and mucinous substances, and the outer sedimentary salts are 1~2mm in diameter, some up to 1cm stones, and the surface is hard.

an examination

Related inspection

Urinary tract plain film abdominal perspective rectal examination

1. Often asymptomatic. There may also be pain in the groin, which can be radiated to the testicles and perineum. When the stone stays in the ejaculatory duct and prevents the semen from being discharged, it can cause colic. Symptoms worsen when the penis is erect or when ejaculation. There may be bloody semen.

2. Rectal examination: The upper edge of the prostate can touch a plurality of hard textures, smooth surface stones or stone friction. The seminal vesicles become hard and tender.

3. X-ray film can be found in the seminal vesicles with stone shadows.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of epididymis stones:

Ureteral calculi

The colic caused by ureteral stones is often similar to the pain in the lower abdomen and groin caused by obstruction of semen discharge when the ejaculatory duct is blocked during the discharge of the seminal vesicle. However, the pain has nothing to do with ejaculation. Abdominal X-ray and urography can find opaque shadows on the ureteral path.

2. Seminal vesicle

Calcified shadows of seminal vesicles and seminal vesicles are similar on X-ray films. The seminal vesicle tuberculosis has a history of urinary tract and tuberculosis in other parts of the body. The lesion can be broken around the prostate and form a sinus in the perineum. The epididymis is often involved, swollen and hard, with irregular nodules. The vas deferens changes in a beaded induration. Mycobacterium tuberculosis can be found in prostate seminal fluid or semen smear or tuberculosis culture; typical tuberculosis lesions can be seen in prostate biopsy.

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