Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum: A Dermatologic Clue for Impaired Fertility

Mohamed Ahmed El-Zafarany,

Abstract

Background: Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum (AKS) is thought to be associated or aggravated with varicocele. The underlying pathogenesis is thought to be due to atrophy of Dartos muscle and degeneration of elastic tissue incidental to aging which results in loss of the support of the blood vessels. Aim of the work: To investigate the relation of (AKS) with underlying varicocele and probable associated male subfertility. Subjects and method: The present study, included 11 male patients with AKS all patients were subjected to scrotal duplex ultrasonography to evaluate underlying varicocele and semen analysis to detect probable subfertility. Results: The current study included eleven adolescent males aged 27 to 46 years old with AKS. Clinical assessment revealed that nine patients (82%) had varicocele while 2 patients (18%) were clinically free. The duplex ultrsonographic findings of the studied patients proved that clinically free patients (n:2) did not full-fill CDCCDU criteria for diagnosis of varicocele. The mean sperm concentration for the studied patients was 19×106/ml ranged from 2-35 millions/ml, progressive motility was 23.2% ranged from 5-50% and mean abnormal forms was 52.7% and the range was range 30-90. Conclusion: AKS is commonly associated with varicocele and impaired semen parameters and provides a clue on subfertility potential.

Relevant Publications in Clinical & Experimental Dermatology research