Ultrasound: testicular
Anatomy
- Testicle - ~2 to 3 cm in width and 3 to 5 cm in length
- Epididymis - along the posterolateral aspect of each testis
- Vas Deferens
- Spermatic cord
- Median Raphe
Technique
- Linear Transducer
- Scanned in longitudinal and transverse axis
- First the unaffected hemiscrotum
- Coronal scan showing both testicles side by side (Buddy View) should be performed to identify differences in size and echogenicity, and vascularity
- Power Doppler examination on unaffected side for calibration of machine
Terms
- Hyperemia: inflammation and demonstrates increased flow (lots of color) compared to contralateral side
- Think -itis and detorsed testicle
Findings and DDX
- Epididymitis - enlarged epididymis with decreased echogenicity
- Orchitis - enlarged testicle with heterogeneous echogenicity with increased blood flow
- Hydrocele - Abnormal collection of fluid in the space between the visceral and parietal layers of the tunica vaginalisin anterolateral portions
- Varicocele - left side, multiple anechoic serpiginous tubular or curvilinear structures of varying sizes (larger than 2 mm in diameter)
- Testicular torsion - Power Doppler with absent blood flow in the affected testicle; patient can present early and still have flow
- Torsion of the testicular appendage
- Testicular trauma
- Herniation of abdominal contents into the scrotum - peristalsis of bowel
See Also
Source
- Sonosite - Last Accessed 12/30/14