RSNA 2010 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2010


SSJ11-03

Dancing Sperm on Scrotal Ultrasound: Is It Associated with Vasectomy?

Scientific Formal (Paper) Presentations

Presented on November 30, 2010
Presented as part of SSJ11: Genitourinary (Pelvic Imaging)

Participants

Mary Catherine Frates MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose
Carol Beer Benson MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose
Susan L Stober ARRT, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

PURPOSE

To determine whether “dancing sperm” at scrotal sonography are associated with prior vasectomy.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

In addition to our standard imaging protocol, we prospectively included a short videoclip of each epididymal body in all outpatients sent for scrotal ultrasound between January 2008 and March 2010. For each patient, the presence or absence of punctate mobile echogeniticies, “dancing sperm”, in the epididymal body was noted. In addition, we recorded indication for the ultrasound exam, patient age, and history of vasectomy.

RESULTS

Of 347 patients, 59 (16.7%) had undergone vasectomy and 288 had not. Patients ranged in age from 33 to 74 years in the vasectomy group and 16 to 88 years in the nonvasectomy group. “Dancing sperm” were found in 7 patients, 6 of whom were post vasectomy. The rate of “dancing sperm” was 10.2% (6 of 59) in the vasectomy group and 0.003% (1 of 288) in the nonvasectomy group (p<0.0001, Fisher’s exact test). Epididymal cysts were seen in 116 of 347 patients (33.4%). There was no significant difference in the presence of epididymal cysts in the two groups (p = 0.88), including 20 of 59 (33.9%) postvasectomy patients and 94 of 288 (32.6%) patients without vasectomy. Pain was reported by 161 patients (46.4%), including 30 of 59 (50.1%) post vasectomy group and 131 of 288 (45.5%) without vasectomy. The presence of pain was similar in both groups (p=0.48).

CONCLUSION

The presence of “dancing sperm” is almost always a postvasectomy finding and occurs in approximately 10% of such patients. There is no significant difference in the rate of epididymal cysts or symptoms of pain postvasectomy compared to those who have not had vasectomies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

"Dancing sperm" are a normal postvasectomy appearance, seen in approximately 10% of patients.

Cite This Abstract

Frates, M, Benson, C, Stober, S, Dancing Sperm on Scrotal Ultrasound: Is It Associated with Vasectomy?.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9009420.html