Nonpalpable undescending testis. Value of magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 18 male patients with 20 nonpalpable undescended testes and the results were compared with surgical findings.

METHODS

The MRI examination located 13 (65%) of 20 gonads, all found at surgery. Eleven testes were found in the inguinal canal or just proximal to the internal inguinal ring, and two testes were demonstrated above the internal inguinal ring.

RESULTS

Of the seven (35%) negative results, three were false negative and four agenetic testes were not found surgically. There was no false positive result. Thus, MRI had a sensitivity of 78.6% and specificity of 100% in the demonstration of nonpalpable undescended testes.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI appears to be a more reliable and noninvasive method for the localization of nonpalpable undescended testes.