PubMed · 6742739
Sympathetic orchidopathia.
Abstract
Subfertility has recently been shown to follow unilateral torsion of the spermatic cord in more than half the patients studied. Since the anatomical anomaly that predisposes to torsion (a high investment of the tunica vaginalis) is commonly bilateral, there could be an associated congenital defect in spermatogenesis on each side. Alternatively, autoantigens escaping from the ischaemic or 'exciting' testis could trigger an immunological response which damages the contralateral or 'sympathising' testis. Demonstration of an autoallergic (sympathetic) orchidopathia, analogous to sympathetic ophthalmia, would fundamentally alter the management of testicular torsion.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
R C Williamson, W E Thomas. 1984. Sympathetic orchidopathia.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6742739/
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.