Analysis of intratesticular arterial anatomy with emphasis on transmediastinal arteries

PURPOSE: The vascular anatomic features of the testis were studied with color Doppler ultrasound to determine the prevalence and anatomic relationships of transmediastinal arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty testes in 26 men were prospectively examined to identify and analyze transmediastinal arteries by means of color Doppler equipment optimized for detection of slow blood flow. RESULTS: Transmediastinal arteries were present in 26 testes (52%). In the 24 men in whom both testes were evaluated, transmediastinal arteries were unilateral in 12 men (50%), bilateral in six men (25%), and absent in six men (25%). In four testes, transmediastinal arteries were multiple; in the rest, they were single. In most testes, they occurred in the superior half of the testis. Only three transmediastinal arteries (6%) branched within the testicular parenchyma. Seventeen transmediastinal veins were seen in 13 testes (26%). Ten of these 17 veins (59%) were paired with transmediastinal arteries; the seven others (41%) were isolated. CONCLUSION: Transmediastinal arteries occur in approximately one-half of normal testes and should be considered normal.