Multiparametric evaluation of testicular atrophy due to varicocele.

63 men with palpable left varicoceles were evaluated by semen analysis, scrotal ultrasonography, Doppler sonography, scrotal contact thermography, and radionuclide scanning. 11 (17.4%) patients had bilateral varicoceles detected by scrotal ultrasonography as compared with an incidence of 3.1% by scrotal palpation. Testicular atrophy was found in 29 (46%) patients by scrotal ultrasonography. This was found to be 39.6% by scrotal palpation alone. In this study using advanced diagnostic procedures, the incidences of bilateral varicocele and testicular atrophy due to varicocele were found to be much higher than when scrotal palpation alone was performed.