Home > E. Pathology by systems > Genital system > Male genital system > Testis > mixed testicular atrophy
mixed testicular atrophy
Friday 5 October 2007
Definition: Mixed atrophy of the testis (MAT) is a frequent finding in biopsies of formerly cryptorchid and/or infertile patients. It is defined as the synchronous occurrence of both seminiferous tubules containing germ cells and Sertoli cell only-tubules in variable proportions.
In tubules containing germ cells, different types of abnormalities in spermatogenesis may be seen. The presence of adult spermatids in the biopsy, even in small numbers, correlates with successful spermatozoa retrieval for "in vitro" fertilization techniques.
Currently, it is unknown whether precursor lesions of MAT can be identified in cryptorchid patients during childhood.
Paywall References
Nistal M, Paniagua R, Riestra ML, Reyes-Mugica M, Cajaiba MM. Bilateral prepubertal testicular biopsies predict significance of cryptorchidism-associated mixed testicular atrophy, and allow assessment of fertility. Am J Surg Pathol. 2007 Aug;31(8):1269-76. PMID: 17667553