Is testicular microlithiasis associated with decreased semen parameters? a systematic review

Table 4 Comparison of FSH, LH and testosterone levels in 3 studies that compared men with classic testicular microlithiasis (≥ 5 microcalcifications per sonographic image) to those with limited testicular microlithiasis (< 5 microcalcifications per sonographic image)

Authors and reference number	Year	Number in Sample		FSH		LH		Testosterone
Authors and reference number	Year	CTM	LTM	Difference compared to LTM group?	Statistically significant difference?	Difference compared to LTM group?	Statistically significant difference?	Difference compared to LTM group?	Statistically significant difference?
*Infertile Population:*
D’Andrea et al. [9]	2021	46	47	↑	✓	↑		↓	✗
Rassam et al. [32]	2020	53	134	↑	✗	↓	✗	↓	✗
*Population status not specified:*
Xu et al. [35]	2014	97	62	↑	✓	↑		↓

Summary table of the included studies that compared follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and testosterone levels in men with classic testicular microlithiasis compared to men with limited testicular microlithiasis. The table indicates the direction of the difference in the classic testicular microlithiasis group compared to the limited testicular microlithiasis group and if the difference was statistically significant. CTM classic testicular microlithiasis, LTM limited testicular microlithiasis. FSH follicle stimulating hormone, LH luteinising hormone ✓ Yes (in response to the question in the respective column), ✗ No (in response to the question in the respective column), ↓: decrease, ↑: increase. Bold indicates that values have been calculated by the review authors from data in the study (where applicable, the statistical test used was the independent samples t-test). Blank spaces indicate that there was insufficient data available to answer the question

ISSN: 2051-4190