Which statement about varicoceles is true?

Which statement about varicoceles is true?

• A. Varicoceles are commonly seen in prepubertal children.
• B. Varicoceles result in a partial or complete venous occlusion.
• C. Varicoceles result in a red, warm, and edematous scrotum.
• D. Varicoceles cause an elongation of the veins of the spermatic cord.

Answer: (D)

Varicoceles arise from dilation and tortuosity of the pampiniform venous plexus in the spermatic cord due to incompetent venous valves and retrograde flow. This pressure leads to stretching and lengthening of the veins along the cord, so describing them as an elongation of the veins fits the vascular change you’re seeing. They’re not typically seen before puberty, and they don’t cause a red, warm, edematous scrotum—that would point to infection or inflammation. They also aren’t due to venous occlusion; the issue is dilation with reflux. So the statement about elongation of the veins of the spermatic cord best reflects what happens with a varicocele.

Varicoceles arise from dilation and tortuosity of the pampiniform venous plexus in the spermatic cord due to incompetent venous valves and retrograde flow. This pressure leads to stretching and lengthening of the veins along the cord, so describing them as an elongation of the veins fits the vascular change you’re seeing. They’re not typically seen before puberty, and they don’t cause a red, warm, edematous scrotum—that would point to infection or inflammation. They also aren’t due to venous occlusion; the issue is dilation with reflux. So the statement about elongation of the veins of the spermatic cord best reflects what happens with a varicocele.