Evaluation of Diagnostic Accuracy of Testicular FNAC in Cases of Azoospermia

Diagnostic Accuracy of Testicular FNAC in Azoospermia

Abstract

Background: Male infertility is one of the common problems that can lead to a detrimental effect on life of couples and roughly contributes to 30-50% cases of infertility. As an alternative to testicular biopsy the fine needle aspiration cytology of the testis is being used increasingly to find out the cause of azoospermia. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of testicular FNAC in cases of azoospermia. Subjects and Methods: FNA was performed in 119 patients, aged 20-38 years with zero sperm count (Azoospermia), detailed clinical history and physical examination was performed on each patient and patients having any gross testicular abnormalities were not included in the study. FNA was done by non aspirate method i.e needling using 24G needle after local spray of xylocaine.  In each case a minimum 4 slides were prepared from each of testis. Results: Of the 119 cases, five (4.2%) were reported as unsatisfactory for interpretation due to scant cellularity. Thus the inadequacy rate for testicular aspiration was 4.2% in our study. Of the remaining 114 cases, 44 (36.9%) were classified as normal maturation (azoospermia due to obstruction). 42 cases of maturation arrest and 22 cases of hypospermatogenesis and six cases of sertoli cell only syndrome. Conclusion: FNAC of testis is an alternative to biopsy to find out the cause of azoospermia. It is simple, quick, less invasive, minimal painful method and can be done as a routine procedure. Also it is possible to dispatch a report to a patient within 24 hours of collection of sample.