[Ultrasound imaging of the testes in children and adolescents].

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound, the imaging method of choice to evaluate abnormalities of the testes and the scrotum, provides accurate anatomic details and allows the assessment of perfusion using color Doppler and power Doppler. Ultrasound represents a rapid and reliable procedure which in most cases leads to a conclusive diagnosis.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: The three most common conditions in the clinical picture of acute scrotum are testicular torsion, torsion of the testicular appendages and inflammatory changes of the testis and the epididymis (epididymo-orchitis). Especially in the case of testicular torsion, rapid diagnosis is essential since time is an important factor to initiate organ-preserving therapy.

EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY: High-frequency linear array transducer (at least 10 MHz), which allows detection of slow flow rates, is recommended.