The DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) is a newer and potentially more reliable marker for male infertility, with higher values indicating poorer sperm genetic quality. This study assesses the effect of varicocele embolization on DFI in infertile men. Conducted at a single center from January 2016 to September 2021, this retrospective study involved 22 patients with a mean age of 35.2 ± 4.1 years. Post-embolization, DFI decreased from 32.3 ± 9.8% to 24.7 ± 12.9% (p=0.010), representing a 7.6% reduction. DFI analysis was performed three months post-procedure. The embolization procedure had a 100% technical success rate with no moderate or severe adverse events. Pregnancy was achieved in 55% (12/22) of patients, while three patients 14% (3/22) were lost to follow-up. There was an overall trend toward improvement in semen parameters, with sperm concentration significantly increasing (p=0.023). In conclusion, varicocele embolization significantly reduced DFI values, which is linked to improved fertility rates.
Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR. 2024 Dec 13 [Epub ahead of print]
Ibrahim Alghamdi, Samuel S Xu, John McNaught, Leandro Cardarelli Leite, Derek W Cool, Amol Mujoomdar
Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: ., Halton Healthcare Services Corporation, Milton, Ontario, Canada., Create Fertility, London, Ontario, Canada., Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.