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Leydig cell tumor of the testis with characteristic contrast patterns of tumor and non-tumorous testicular parenchyma on MRI: a case report

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Abstract

Purpose

Testicular Leydig cell tumor (LCT) is a rare subtype of testicular neoplasms that occurs in the interstitial tissue of testes, accounting for 1–3% of total testicular masses removed annually. We report a case of 70-year-old man diagnosed as testicular LCT. This report demonstrates a testicular LCT with intratumoral and non-tumorous testicular parenchymal enhancement in the affected testis, which should be considered characteristic findings of LCT.

Methods

Ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass. On magnetic resonance imaging, the tumor showed low signal intensity comparable to the surrounding testicular tissue on T1-weighted images (T1WI) and low signal intensity on T2-weighted images (T2WI). On gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1WI (CE-T1WI), the tumor showed a rapid and marked wash-in and subsequent prolonged washout. The spared, non-tumorous testicular parenchyma showed slow and progressive enhancement in the early phase, which was as strong as or stronger than that of the mass in the delayed phase. The patient underwent right orchiectomy.

Results

Pathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as a testicular Leydig cell tumor (LCT). Leydig cell proliferation was observed with well-developed microvessels, atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, and stromal edema in the non-tumorous testicular parenchyma. Leydig cells in the non-tumorous parenchyma were positive for estrogen receptors.

Conclusion

Since the contrast findings in the non-tumorous testicular parenchymal region on CE-T1WI likely match the histopathological features of LCT, our case suggests that the presence of non-tumorous testicular parenchymal enhancement on imaging might indicate a diagnosis of LCT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nara Medical University, 840, Shijo-Cho, Kashihara-City, Nara, 634-8522, Japan

    Yuji Yamamoto, Ryosuke Taiji, Tetsuya Tachiiri, Hideyuki Nishiofuku, Takahiro Itoh, Nagaaki Marugami & Toshihiro Tanaka

  2. Department of Radiology, Nara Prefectural Seiwa Medical Center, 1-14-16, Mimuro, Ikoma-Gun, Sangou-Cho, Nara, 636-0802, Japan

    Yuji Yamamoto, Megumi Takewa, Wataru Kitatsuji & Akira Okura

  3. Department of Pathology, Nara Prefectural Seiwa Medical Center, 1-14-16, Mimuro, Ikoma-Gun, Sangou-Cho, Nara, 636-0802, Japan

    Naotoshi Saito

  4. Department of Urology, Nara Prefectural Seiwa Medical Center, 1-14-16, Mimuro, Ikoma-Gun, Sangou-Cho, Nara, 636-0802, Japan

    Nobuo Ohyama

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  1. Yuji Yamamoto
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Correspondence to Ryosuke Taiji.

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Yamamoto, Y., Taiji, R., Takewa, M. et al. Leydig cell tumor of the testis with characteristic contrast patterns of tumor and non-tumorous testicular parenchyma on MRI: a case report. Abdom Radiol 48, 2477–2482 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-023-03932-y

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