Polyorchidism: report of 3 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the embryologic, clinical, sonographic, and magnetic resonance imaging features of polyorchidism and to review the literature on similar cases.

METHODS

Over a 5-year period, we encountered 3 patients who were found to have polyorchidism on scrotal sonography. All 3 patients had a painless scrotal mass. Two patients also had magnetic resonance imaging of the scrotum, and the results were correlated with the sonograms. We also performed a literature search for other reports of polyorchidism.

RESULTS

One patient had 2 right testicles and a single left testicle. The second patient had 3 left testicles and 1 right testicle. In the third patient, who had 2 left testicles and 1 right testicle, microlithiasis was found in all 3 testes. The supernumerary testes were within the scrotum in all cases. All testicles were identified by sonography. Magnetic resonance imaging in 2 cases provided confirmatory data regarding the presence of an extra testicle but did not add other relevant information. Conservative treatment was chosen in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly. There are characteristic sonographic features of polyorchidism, and the diagnosis is often made on the basis of sonography. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used for confirmation but may be more helpful in cases complicated by cryptorchism or neoplasia. Conservative treatment is advised in uncomplicated cases.