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 no flow and lots of color with out a pulse
- Think orchitis 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