A comparative study of shear wave elastography in the evaluation of undescended and retractile testes in a pediatric population.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the evaluation of undescended and retractile testes (RT) in a pediatric population.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated a total of 37 undescended testes (UDT), 15 RT, and 56 normal testes using SWE. The stiffness values were recorded for speed (m/s) and elasticity (kPa), and the mean stiffness values of groups were compared with each other.

RESULTS

The mean stiffness values of the UDT (13.80 ± 4.14 kPa, 2.14 ± 0.29 m/s) were higher than the mean SWE values of the normal testes (7.44 ± 2.11 kPa, 1.57 ± 0.21 m/s) (p < 0.0001). The mean stiffness values of the RT (9.64 ± 3.71 kPa, 1.75 ± 0.35 m/s) exceeded those of the normal testes (p = 0.004 for elasticity and p = 0.02 for speed). The mean stiffness value of the UDT was higher than the retractile ones (p < 0.0001 for elasticity and speed).

CONCLUSION

The higher stiffness values of the UDT and the RT compared to normal testes are likely reflective of underlying pathological alterations; hence, we suggest that SWE might serve as a valuable adjunct for the management of UDT and RT by assessing and monitoring ultrastructural changes.