Doppler Ultrasonography in Testicular Tumors Presenting with Acute Scrotal Pain

Abstract

To determine whether Doppler ultrasonography (US) could be useful in the evaluation of testicular neoplasms presenting with acute scrotal pain. Material and Methods: We examined 18 patients with acute scrotal pain using Doppler US. Peak systolic and end-diastolic velocity measurements were performed at first admission and on completion of 1-week proper antibiotic treatment. Data were retrospectively reviewed and compared with findings of a control group of 17 age-matched subjects. Results: Of the 18 patients evaluated, 11 were found to have testicular tumors and 7 testicular inflammation. Peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities were significantly increased in patients with testicular tumor (p<0.002) and orchitis (p<0.01) versus normal controls. Follow-up examination on completion of 1-week antibiotic treatment demonstrated persistent high velocity values in patients with tumor and normalization of velocity values in patients with orchitis. Conclusion: Our results support the concept that follow-up Doppler US examination is of value in patients with acute scrotal pain submitted to antibiotic treatment since it may contribute to the differentiation between orchitis and testicular tumor