Table 1 Selected eponyms in Andrology literature

Kartagener syndrome [3, 4]

This is an older term for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). PCD is a rare disease, predominantly inherited as an autosomal recessive, with ciliary dysfunction leading to impaired mucociliary clearance and chronic airway infection. Situs inversus totalis occurs in ~50% of PCD patients. In male patients, sperm flagella might show impairments in or lack the ability to swing, which ultimately results in male infertility. Manes Kartagener (1897-1975) (Figure 1) was a Swiss internist.

Klinefelter's syndrome [5]

A chromosomal disorder in which there is at least one extra X chromosome to a standard human male, causing a total of 47 chromosomes instead of 46. Principal effects include hypogonadism and sterility. It is named for Harry Fitch Klinefelter, Jr (1912-1990) (Figure 2), an American physician.

Leydig cells [6]

Histologically, they are adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle. They produce testosterone. They are named for Franz Leydig (1821–1908) (Figure 3), a German anatomist. Leydig discovered them in 1850.

Peyronie’s disease [7]

Also known as chronic inflammation of the tunica albuginea (CITA), it is a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaques in the soft tissue of the penis, causing erectile dysfunction. It is named after François Gigot de La Peyronie (1678-1747) (Figure 4), the first surgeon to Louis XV.

Priapism [7]

In this condition, the erect penis or clitoris does not return to its flaccid state, despite the absence of physical and psychological stimulation, within 4 hours. The name comes from the Greek god Priapus, a fertility god often represented with a disproportionately large and permanent erection.

The acronym ASPEN syndrome was proposed for the association of sickle cell disease, priapism, exchange transfusion, and neurological events.

Sertoli cells [8]

Histologically, they are part of a seminiferous tubule. Their main function is to nourish developing sperm cells. They are named for Enrico Sertoli (1842–1910) (Figure 5), an Italian physiologist who discovered them while studying medicine at the University of Pavia, Italy.