Establishing reference values and evaluating diagnostic utility of scrotal ultrasound for azoospermia subtypes: A cross-sectional study in Guangdong, China
Cross-sectional study establishes ultrasound reference values and diagnostic utility in differentiating azoospermia subtypes, implying tailored approaches for male infertility in East Asia.
Key Points
This study aims to establish reference values for scrotal ultrasound and assess its diagnostic utility in differentiating azoospermia subtypes in Chinese men.
Enrolled 424 men aged 20-45 years, including normozoospermic controls and azoospermia subtypes.
Conducted scrotal ultrasound to measure testicular volume, epididymal dimensions, and hemodynamic parameters.
Performed semen analysis and hormonal profiling to correlate findings.
Testicular volumes in fertile men from Guangdong Province were significantly smaller than European reference values.
Significant correlation found between testicular volume and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, as well as sperm count and concentration.
Men with non-obstructive azoospermia had smaller testicular volumes, while obstructive azoospermia indicated significant dilation of the epididymal caput.