A dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum is called what?

• A. Varicocele
• B. Hydrocele
• C. Spermatocele
• D. Orchitis

Answer: (A)

Dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus is called a varicocele. The pampiniform plexus is a network of veins in the spermatic cord that drains the testicles; when these veins enlarge, they form a scrotal mass that may feel like a bundle of worms and is often more noticeable when standing or with Valsalva. On ultrasound, varicoceles appear as multiple tortuous tubular structures within the pampiniform plexus, usually larger than about 2 mm in diameter, with venous flow that increases with Valsalva on color Doppler. This helps distinguish it from other scrotal conditions: a hydrocele is fluid around the testicle that transilluminates; a spermatocele is a cystic dilation of epididymal ducts near the head of the epididymis; orchitis is infection/inflammation of the testicular tissue, which alters echotexture rather than causing venous dilation.