Is there any predictive value of testicular shear wave elastic modulus in testicular functions for varicocele patients?

This study aimed at searching the predictive values of testicular shear wave elastic modulus in testicular functions for varicocele patients. This was a prospective case-control study. We divided the participants into two groups: varicocele group and control group, the latter recruited men with normal physical examination, testicular ultrasound, semen and endocrine results. A total of 97 participants were enrolled: 67 patients in varicocele group, 30 participants in control group. There were statistical differences in left testicular shear wave elastic modulus, left testicular volume, testicular atrophy index, total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm viability and testosterone between the two groups, between different grades in varicocele group, between different periods in varicocele group. Left testicular shear wave elastic modulus was inversely correlated with total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm viability and testosterone. Left testicular shear wave elastic modulus cut-off was calculated as 5.235, 5.130, 4.640 and 5.310 Kpa using ROC curve according to the abnormalities of total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm viability and testosterone. When the left testicular shear wave elastic modulus was higher than these values, the corresponding parameter was more likely to be abnormal. Testicular shear wave elastic modulus has predictive values in testicular functions for varicocele patients.