Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis (CDRT) is a rare congenital defect, characterized by multiple irregular cystic spaces in the mediastinum of the testis that may involve the whole gonad.

Synopsis

 multiple, anastomosing, irregular cystic spaces of varying sizes and shapes separated by incomplete connective-tissue septa

• predominantly located in the mediastinum testis
• irregularly spread, displacing the testicular parenchyma, and consequently compressed under the tunica albuginea.

Ultrastructure

 two types of epithelial cells lining the cystic spaces

• flattened cells
• tall cells

 These cells were similar to those lining the normal adult rete testis

Physiopathology

Since the rete testis originates from the gonadal blastema, and the efferent ductules from the mesonephric ducts, an embryologic defect in the connection between both structures might be responsible for this lesion. (#6547323#)

Types

 unilateral cystic dysplasia of the rete testis
 bilateral cystic dysplasia of the rete testis

Association

 ipsilateral wolffian duct anomalies
 ipsilateral ureteral anomalies

• ipsilateral ectatic terminal ureter (#12602716#)

 ipsilateral renal agenesis (#12602716#)

• and contralateral crossed ectopia (#12137846#, #12119430#)
• ipsilateral ectatic terminal ureter (#12602716#)

 ipsilateral cystic renal dysplasia (#11910517#)
 contralateral crossed renal ectopia (#12137846#)
 renal adysplasia
 penoscrotal hypospadias (#11411661#)
 unilateral cryptorchidism (undescended testicle) (#11411661#)
 bilateral scrotal hernia (#11411661#)
 small and hypocompliant bladder (#11411661#)
 urethral obstruction (#11411661#)

See also

 cystic testicular lesions

References

 Camassei FD, Francalanci P, Ferro F, Capozza N, Boldrini R. Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis: report of two cases and review of the literature. Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2002 Mar-Apr;5(2):206-10. PMID: #11910517#

 Loo CK, Yung T. Cystic dysplasia of the testis: a report of three cases and review of the literature. Pediatr Pathol Lab Med. 1995 Nov-Dec;15(6):885-93. PMID: #8705199#

 Glantz L, Hansen K, Caldamone A, Medeiros LJ. Cystic dysplasia of the testis. Hum Pathol. 1993 Oct;24(10):1142-5. MID: #8406425#

 Nistal M, Regadera J, Paniagua R. Cystic dysplasia of the testis. Light and electron microscopic study of three cases. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1984 Jul;108(7):579-83. PMID: #6547323#