Lazarov G.
Department Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology „St.Sofia“, Аndrological office, 1330 Sofia, Bulgaria

Abstract

Introduction
This study aimed to correlate the testicular volume, ultrasound imaging, and blood flow parameters, determined using color Doppler ultrasonography in young men with a testosterone level below the average values of the standard for a prolonged period.

Material and methods
From January 2013 and December 2019, we examined 73 men aged 37 to 45 years with a testosterone level below the average values of the standard for a prolonged period and а 20 age-matched men with a testosterone level above the average values of the standard. We use color Doppler ultrasound as a method to evaluate the volume, ultrasound imaging and Doppler parameters of the testicular blood flow. 

Results
We obtained significantly lower but still within the reference range values for total testosterone (p<0.001), compared to those of the control group. We found no differences in the ultrasound characteristics of the testicular parenchyma and significant differences between testicular volumes in patients with a testosterone level below the average values of the standard for a prolonged period and those in the control group. In the color Doppler ultrasound we recorded fluctuations only in the blood flow of a aa.intratesticularis, expressed in a slight increase in the resistance index.

Conclusions
Ultrasonography of young men with a serum T level below the average values of the standard for a prolonged period found no reduction in testicular volume and no change in the ultrasound characteristic of the parenchyma, which suggests to us that this is not a congenital condition, but cannot answer the question of whether it will lead to structural changes in the testicles in the future and if so what. The non-significant increase in RI in the intratesticular arteries in all examined men is a non-specific indicator that directs the specialist’s attention to additional testing of total testosterone in patients with complaints from the male reproductive system.

 Keywords: Color Doppler ultrasound,  testosterone, young men