Flow cytometry of undescended testis: A comparison with histology

Lee, Sang Sung; Kim, Kwang Sae

Abstract

To evaluate the value of flow cytometry in cryptorchidism, the results were compared with histologic findings. The study group consisted of 22 unilateral cryptorchidism(17 prepubescents and 5 postpubescents) and 18 testes 1mm patients with hydrocele, infertility and prostatic cancer. DNA histograms of all prepubertal testes demonstrated normal pattern of 85% of cells in the diploid peek. 12% of cells in the tetraploid peek and no haploid peak in spite of three distinct pattern of the histolegical finding with respect to development of germ cells and shape of seminiferous tubule and interstitium. However, in postupubertal patients with cryptorchidsm and other diseases, DNA histograme revealed characteristic ploidy patterns of relative proportions of haploid, diploid and tetaploid sells corresponding to the histological appearances of normal testicular morphology, moderately abnormal morphology and Sertoli cell only. Flow cytometricanalysis of testis is a rapid, objective and quantitative method that may ultimately replace standard wedge biopsy due to its high degree of histological correlation in postpubertal crytorchidism.