Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of testis alone is sufficient to diagnose testicular function and whether follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) estimation can be safely eliminated from the evaluation protocol of the azoospermic subject. Materials and Methods: We studied 46 adult azoospermic males who were infertile for more than 2 years following marriage. Hormonal profile was done in all. Later all 46 patients were subjected to bilateral FNAC of the testes. The cytological findings were correlated with histological findings. Results: We found 95.65% agreement between FNAC and testicular biopsy. Though serum FSH estimation was done in all patients in this series, in none of the cases did it affect overall management. Conclusion: FNAC is a quick, safe and minimally invasive modality. Following a well-performed semen analysis in an azoospermic subject, it appears that FNAC may be the only investigation needed. It provides a reliable diagnosis in patients with either obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia. Routine estimation of FSH can be omitted from the investigative protocol in these patients.

Keywords:
Fine-needle aspiration cytology, Follicle-stimulating hormone, Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, In vitro fertilization, Sertoli cell only syndrome, Vasoepididymal anastomoses, Hypospermatogenesis, Maturation arrest, Testicular biopsy, Azoospermia
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© 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel
2004
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