Technetium 99m scan in acute scrotal lesions.

Scrotal scintigraphy is nearly 100 per cent accurate in identifying testicular torsion and can distinguish that condition, which requires an operation, from torsion of testicular appendages, which often can be treated nonoperatively. The technique is 90 per cent accurate in distinguishing epididymo-orchitis, epididymitis, and testicular abscess and is valuable in the follow-up of testicular torsion or inflammation. It can screen patients for varicocele, identifying possible candidates for spermatic venography and embolization. However, it has nothing to offer in the differential diagnosis of painless testicular masses.