Case Report: Reproductive evaluation of a Murgese stallion with obstructive azoospermia, accumulation of hyaline material in the ampullae ducts, and corpora amylacea in vesicular glands.
Authors: Bucci Roberta, Parrillo Salvatore, Probo Monica, Varasano Vincenzo, Romano Anastasia, Carluccio Augusto
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary A 20-year-old Murgese stallion presented with acquired azoospermia (complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate) despite normal clinical and ultrasonographic examination of the reproductive tract, prompting investigation into the underlying cause of obstruction rather than primary testicular failure. Diagnostic workup included seminal plasma alkaline phosphatase (SPAP) assessment, testicular biopsy confirming intact germ cell lines, and attempted endoscopic resolution through ampullae insufflation. Seminal plasma SPAP measured 30 IU/L, confirming obstructive rather than non-obstructive azoospermia; however, the endoscopic intervention proved unsuccessful, and the stallion was subsequently excluded from breeding. Post-mortem examination and histopathology revealed bilateral ampullae obstruction caused by accumulation of hyaline material and, notably, corpora amylacea within the seminal vesicles—the first reported case of this pathology in equine sexual glands. This case highlights the diagnostic utility of SPAP testing in differentiating obstructive from testicular causes of azoospermia, whilst also demonstrating that some forms of ampullae obstruction may prove refractory to current therapeutic techniques and underscore the importance of comprehensive post-mortem investigation in understanding rare reproductive pathologies affecting breeding stallions.
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Practical Takeaways
- •SPAP assay is a valuable diagnostic tool to differentiate obstructive azoospermia from testicular failure in stallions with absent spermatozoa in ejaculate
- •Ampullae obstruction from hyaline material accumulation is rare but should be considered in older stallions with sudden loss of fertility despite normal semen-producing tissue
- •Endoscopic treatment of ampullae obstruction may not be effective in all cases; early diagnosis and investigation of obstruction etiology is critical before attempting treatment
Key Findings
- •A 20-year-old Murgese stallion presented with acquired azoospermia with normal testicular histology (complete germ lines present) indicating obstructive rather than secretory azoospermia
- •Seminal alkaline phosphatase (SPAP) assay value of 30 IU/L confirmed obstructive azoospermia diagnosis
- •Necropsy revealed hyaline material accumulation in ampullae ducts and corpora amylacea in both seminal vesicles, representing the first documented case of corpora amylacea in equine stallion sexual glands
- •Endoscopic insufflation of ampullae failed to resolve the obstruction, and the stallion was excluded from breeding