Prevalence of Varicocele in Enugu Southeast Nigeria: Findings from Scrotal Ultrasonography

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Varicocele is defined as an abnormal dilatation and tortuosity of the scrotal pampiniform plexus of veins that drain blood from the testis. Globally, it is prevalent in 15%-20% of the healthy adult male population. However, there is paucity of data on the prevalence of varicocele in Africans. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of varicocele in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out over a-five-year period from March 2020 to April 2025. Data was collected from three large volume referral centers for radiological services in Enugu metropolis. The study population was drawn from males that had scrotal ultrasound scan for various conditions. The scrotal ultrasound scans were done with doppler enabled Logiq E9 GE medical system Co ultrasound machines equipped with linear probes with frequency range of 7.5 to 10 MHz and they were performed by three selected radiologists with over 10 years of experience. RESULTS: The records of 1160 subjects that had scrotal ultrasonography were retrieved for this study. A total number of 369 subjects had varicocele, and this gave a radiologic prevalence of 31.8%. The majority of the subjects were within the age group of 31-40 years, with a median value of 36 years. The mean diameter of the pampiniform plexus of veins on the right and on the left was 2.7 ± 0.9 mm and 3.1 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of varicocele in our environment is high. Due to the negative impact of varicocele on male fertility, it is essential that young males are enlightened about this condition and encouraged to seek medical care early whenever a suggestive scrotal abnormality is noticed or suspected.