This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ragheb, D. Articles by Higgins, J. L. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Ragheb, D. Articles by Higgins, J. L., Jr

Ultrasonography of the Scrotum

Technique, Anatomy, and Pathologic Entities

Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Joseph L. Higgins, Jr, MD, PhD, Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112.

Objective. To review the ultrasonographic technique, anatomy, and pathologic entities found in the scrotum during evaluation of scrotal masses, acute scrotal pain, and male infertility. Method. A pictorial review of cases with diagrams of pertinent anatomic features and findings is presented. Results. Ultrasonography in conjunction with color and pulsed Doppler imaging has supplanted other imaging modalities in the evaluation of scrotal diseases and disorders. Ultrasonography is valuable in the evaluation of the acutely painful scrotum in addition to scrotal masses and male infertility. Advances in ultrasonographic spatial and low-contrast resolution have improved our ability to more clearly define diagnoses for the referring urologist and have led to new observations that are currently being investigated and have yet to be fully understood. Microlithiasis and the mottled appearance of seminiferous tubule sclerosis and atrophy are 2 such entities. This article reviews the pertinent normal scrotal anatomy and the use of ultrasonography in the evaluation and classification of acute scrotal pain, scrotal masses, male infertility, and trauma. This review article also discusses pitfalls of color Doppler imaging in assessment of the scrotum and how to avoid them. Conclusion. The use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of the scrotum benefits from an understanding of scrotal anatomy and familiarity with potential pitfalls of color Doppler and pulsed Doppler evaluation.

View larger version (52K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 1. Normal scrotal anatomy. From Krone KD, Carroll BA. Scrotal ultrasound. Radiol Clin North Am 1985; 23:122. Used by permission from W. B. Saunders Company.

Key Words: Doppler ultrasonography • scrotal disorders • scrotum • testicle

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. Deurdulian, C. A. Mittelstaedt, W. K. Chong, and J. R. Fielding US of Acute Scrotal Trauma: Optimal Technique, Imaging Findings, and Management RadioGraphics, March 1, 2007; 27(2): 357 - 369. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Secil, A. Kefi, F. Gulbahar, G. Aslan, B. Tuna, and K. Yorukoglu Sonographic Features of Spermatic Cord Leiomyosarcoma J. Ultrasound Med., July 1, 2004; 23(7): 973 - 976. [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. Having and R. Holtgrave Trauma-Induced Testicular Rupture Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, November 1, 2003; 19(6): 379 - 381. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. Kutlu, A. Alkan, A. Soylu, A. Sigirci, and A. Dusak Intratesticular Arteriovenous Malformation: Color Doppler Sonographic Findings J. Ultrasound Med., March 1, 2003; 22(3): 295 - 298. [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. J. Woodward, C. M. Schwab, and I. A. Sesterhenn From the Archives of the AFIP: Extratesticular Scrotal Masses: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation RadioGraphics, January 1, 2003; 23(1): 215 - 240. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				V. Dogra and M. I. Resnick Ultrasonography of the Scrotum J. Ultrasound Med., August 1, 2002; 21(8): 848 - 848. [Full Text] [PDF]