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 often arrive alone -- removed for family planning (vasectomy).
Normal vas deferens
- Vasectomy redirects here.
General
- Seen in the context of vasectomy.
Note:
- Vasectomy is associated with testicular changes - increased seminiferous tubule wall thickness and decreased number of Sertoli cells.[2]
Gross
- Cylindrical piece of tissue.
Note:
- Surface should be inked.
Microscopic
Features:[3]
- Tubular structure - three muscle layers.
- Inner longitudinal (thin).
- Middle circular (thick).
- Outer longitudinal (thick).
- Epithelium
- Apical cells = columnar, ciliated.
- Basal cells = cuboidal.
Note:
- Muscle layers - like in bowel.
- A complete loop of epithelium should be visualized in the plane of section.
DDx:
- Missed vas deferens.
- Incomplete vasectomy - only partial lumen.
IHC
Features:[3]
- CD10 +ve (marker of Wolffian differentiation).
- Pankeratin +ve.
Sign out
Right then left
A. VAS DEFERENS, RIGHT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOP OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT. B. VAS DEFERENS, LEFT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOP OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT.
Left then right
A. VAS DEFERENS, LEFT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOP OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT. B. VAS DEFERENS, RIGHT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOP OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT.
Single container
VAS DEFERENS, RIGHT AND LEFT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOPS OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT.
Alternate
VAS DEFERENS, RIGHT AND LEFT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOPS OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT ON BOTH SLIDE A1-1 AND SLIDE A2-1.
One container is empty
A. VAS DEFERENS ("LEFT"), VASECTOMY:
- VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOPS OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT
ON BOTH SLIDE A1-1 AND SLIDE A2-1.
- SEE COMMENT.
B. VAS DEFERENS ("RIGHT"), VASECTOMY:
- NO TISSUE IDENTIFIED, SEE COMMENT.
COMMENT:
Both specimens (left and right) may have been placed in container A. Clinical correlation
is essential.
Incomplete loop
A. VAS DEFERENS, RIGHT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT PATHOLOGY - INCOMPLETE LOOP OF EPITHELIUM, SEE COMMENT. B. VAS DEFERENS, LEFT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOP OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT. COMMENT: Clinical correlation is suggested.
Oblique cut
A. VAS DEFERENS, RIGHT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT PATHOLOGY - OBLIQUE SECTION WITH COMPRESSED LOOP OF EPITHELIUM, SEE COMMENT. B. VAS DEFERENS, LEFT, VASECTOMY: - VAS DEFERENS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS, LOOP OF EPITHELIUM AND MUSCLE LAYERS PRESENT. COMMENT: Clinical correlation is suggested.
Notes:
- The word loop is preferred over the words cross section as:
- The words cross section imply the cut is perpendicular to the axis.
- It is possible that a section with a loop of epithelium is the result of a non-transecting cut that generates an ovoid defect in the wall of the vas deferens.
Vasitis nodosa
Main article: Vasitis nodosa
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.
- ↑ Jarow, JP.; Budin, RE.; Dym, M.; Zirkin, BR.; Noren, S.; Marshall, FF. (Nov 1985). "Quantitative pathologic changes in the human testis after vasectomy. A controlled study.". N Engl J Med 313 (20): 1252-6. doi:10.1056/NEJM198511143132003. PMID 4058505.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sasaki, K.; Bastacky, SI.; Zynger, DL.; Parwani, AV. (Dec 2009). "Use of immunohistochemical markers to confirm the presence of vas deferens in vasectomy specimens.". Am J Clin Pathol 132 (6): 893-8. doi:10.1309/AJCPQZX4WS8UPKGG. PMID 19926581.