[Magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) of the scrotum--initial results and comparison with sonography. I: Normal anatomy and extratesticular pathology].

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for precise assessment of all important anatomic structures of the scrotum. Because the differences in signal intensity on T2-weighted images are adequate and there is high detail and contrast resolution in surface coil technique, the delineation of normal and pathologic structures greater than 1 mm is possible. Imaging in the coronal plane is preferable to that in the axial and sagittal plane. Other advantages of MRI include the possibility of comparing both hemiscrota in one imaging plane and the assessment of the inguinal region. In addition, MRI is less dependent on the expertise of the investigator. For the assessment of extratesticular pathology, MRI has advantages over other imaging techniques - including sonography - since the delineation of pathologic changes is much clearer.