上皮变性Epithelium Degeneration · 附睾 · 雄性生殖系统 · NTP ntp-0493

Comment：
Degeneration and necrosis of the efferent duct or epididymal epithelium are unusual findings, either as a background lesion or as a chemically induced lesion. The lesion is characterized by attenuation and sloughing of the epithelial lining of the epididymal duct. The finding should not be confused with the presence of sloughed testicular germ cells in the epididymal lumen (also see Epididymis - Duct - Exfoliated Germ Cell ), where the epididymal epithelium remains normal and intact. If there is a breach of the epithelial lining, it is generally accompanied by an inflammatory infiltrate due to breakdown in the blood-epididymal barrier resulting in exposure of immune cells to the antigenically foreign sperm. Epithelial degeneration has been described in response to methyl chloride inhalation.

Recommendation：
Epithelial degeneration should be recorded and graded and should be discussed in the pathology narrative if the incidence and/or severity appears to be related to chemical administration. If both epididymides are involved, the diagnosis should be clarified as bilateral and the severity score based on the more severely affected epididymis. Correlation with any spermatogenic disturbances should be noted in the pathology narrative to aid interpretation. Cytoplasmic vacuolation, although a form of degeneration, should be recorded separately (also see Epididymis - Epithelium - Vacuolation ). Related Links: Epididymis - Duct - Exfoliated Germ Cell Epididymis - Epithelium - Vacuolation