[Role of systematic scrotal ultrasonography in the management of male infertility: prospective study of 609 cases].

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefit and diagnostic contribution of systematic scrotal ultrasound in the management of infertile men.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Between 1st January and 31st December 1997, the authors conducted a consecutive and prospective study of 609 infertile patients corresponding to 418 cases of oligoasthenoteratospermia and 191 cases of azoospermia. All patients were investigated by scrotal ultrasound.

RESULTS

133 patients (21.8%) did not present any clinical or ultrasound abnormality. 60 patients (9.9%) presented isolated clinical abnormalities and 125 patients (20.5%) presented a discordance between clinical findings and ultrasound results. 9 patients (1.5%) presented an ultrasound nodule, 6 of which were discovered incidentally. 22 patients (3.6%) in whom the clinical features were more difficult to interpret, presented unambiguous findings.

CONCLUSION

Scrotal ultrasound makes a considerable contribution to more appropriate management of infertile men and diagnoses 1.5% of testicular tumours.