Vas deferens
The vas deferens are often seen as part of a prostatectomy specimen.[1] They are the component of the spermatic cord that carries the sperm. They seldom arrive alone.
Normal vas deferens
- Vasectomy redirects here.
General
- Seen in the context of vasectomy.
Microscopic
Features:
- Tubular structure - two muscle layers.
- Epithelium = simple, columnar, ciliated.
Vasitis nodosa
General
- Classically develops post-vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal).[2]
- Seen in association with other surgical procedures.
- May be seen in the context of infertility (without prior vasectomy).
- Some similarity to salpingitis isthmica nodosa.[2]
Gross
- Mass.
Microscopic
Features:[2]
- Tubules in wall of vas deferens.
- Lined by columnar/cuboidal epithelium.
- May have mitotic activity.
- Nucleoli.
- Contain sperm - small, dark staining, teardrop-shaped (~1 micrometer) - key feature.
- Lined by columnar/cuboidal epithelium.
- +/-Sperm granulomas.
- Histocytes - abundant foamy cytoplasm.
- Sperm - small, dark staining, teardrop-shaped (~1 micrometer).
DDx:
- Metastatic (prostate) carcinoma.
Notes:
- Can be confused with prostatic adenocarcinoma:[3]
- May "invade" vascular spaces - associated with elastosis (breakdown of elastic fibres[4]).
Image:
IHC
- PSA -ve.
- PSAP -ve.
Bilateral absence of the vas deferens
- Seen in cystic fibrosis.
See also
References
- ↑ URL: http://www.upmccancercenters.com/cancer/prostate/radprostretropubic.html. Accessed on: 26 September 2011.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hirschowitz, L.; Rode, J.; Guillebaud, J.; Bounds, W.; Moss, E. (Apr 1988). "Vasitis nodosa and associated clinical findings.". J Clin Pathol 41 (4): 419-23. PMC 1141468. PMID 3366928. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1141468/.
- ↑ Balogh, K.; Travis, WD. (Apr 1985). "Benign vascular invasion in vasitis nodosa.". Am J Clin Pathol 83 (4): 426-30. PMID 3984936.
- ↑ URL: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/elastosis. Accessed on: 26 September 2011.