Clinical findings in congenital absence of the vasa deferentia

In a clinical study, 105 patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) and 18 with congenital unilateral absence of the vas d eferens (CUAVD) were investigated. CUAVD was observed on the left side in 6 6%. Renal agenesis was more frequent in CUAVD (73.7%) than in CBAVD (11.8%) . The leading signs of CBAVD are low pH level (average 6.5) and low volume of the ejaculate (average 0.95 mi). Testicular biopsies of 52 patients reve aled normal spermatogenesis or hypospermatogenesis (33% in CBAVD; 45% in CU AVD). Genetic probing and counselling concerning cystic fibrosis are necess ary if extracorporal microfertilization is considered. The absence of the v as deferens was often overlooked by the first: investigator, the average ti me until correct diagnosis being 4.3 years. As artificial reproduction tech nology becomes more common, detection of vasal agenesis will certainly be m ade earlier and more frequently in the future. In order to assure compatibi lity of subsequent prospective studies about CBAVD and CUAVD, the following investigations are considered to be necessary: (i) semen analysis (pH, vol ume); (ii) renal ultrasonography or excretory urogram (screening for renal agenesis); (iii) genetic cystic fibrosis screening.