摘要
We read with interest the study by Cho et al.1 regarding the features of subclinical varicocele in a pediatric and young adult single-center population.Out of 98 patients identified,the majority had a rightsided subclinical varicocele(69%,n=25),usually with a contralateral clinical varicocele.Testicular asymmetry(>20%volume difference of the affected side by testicular atrophy index formula)was assessed in nine patients with unilateral subclinical varicocele without contralateral varicocele,either clinical or subclinical.Interestingly,of 17 patients with a mean follow-up of 32 months,3(17.6%)progressed to clinical varicocele without asymmetric testicular volume,as most remained subclinical or had subsequent resolution by ultrasound.The authors concluded that subclinical varicoceles appeared unlikely to progress to a clinical disease,to affect testicular volume,or to lead to surgery.
