Imaging modalities used to visualize pathologies of the testicles and scrotum.

Abstract

Testicular imaging is very uncommon when compared to imaging of other parts of the body. It is mainly done when the patient complains of scrotal pain or swelling, in cases of trauma, and when physical examination alone is not enough to come to an accurate diagnosis. As discussed in this study, testicular imaging has an extremely important role in ruling out testicular torsion, which can alter or, in more severe cases, stop blood supply to the gonads, resulting in ischemia or necrosis of the testes (Goodman, C.C. & Boissonnault W.G. 1998). Thus imaging plays an important role to confirm or exclude torsion, preventing unnecessary surgical intervention that certain clinicians recommend after physical examination. The imaging modalities available to visualize pathologies of the testicles and the scrotum are Ultrasound, Radio-Nuclide Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Ultrasound is usually the first imaging modality of choice because it is almost always available, rather accurate, cost-effective and can be performed by the patient's bedside, and its pitfalls may be complimented with Radio-Nuclide Imaging. On the other hand, Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the least imaging modality used; however, literature shows that the role of MRI is slowly evolving.