Role of MRI in Evaluation of Patients With Testicular lesions

Abstract

A variety of imaging modalities, including gray-scale ultrasound, color or power Doppler ultrasound, radionuclide scintigraphy, angiography and venography, have been used to diagnose scrotal diseases with high sensitivity and specificity, but they are not always accurate.

Ultrasonography is the imaging modality of choice in the assessment of scrotal diseases. Its success is based on its excellent depiction of scrotal anatomy, display of testicular diseases, accuracy in distinguishing intratesticular from extratesticular lesions, low cost, easy accessibility, speed, and lack of ionizing radiation.

However, sonography is limited by its small field of view, high dependence on technical expertise, and lack of specificity in many conditions.

Color Doppler imaging has added both anatomical and functional details for evaluation of the testis and its surrounding structures, essentially eliminating the need for nuclear scanning in the setting of acute scrotal pain.

However, delectability of blood flow depends on patients age, testicular volume, sensitivity of the US equipment used, and operator skill. In addition, in the prepubertal age group, detection of testicular blood flow is inconsistent and shows great variability.