Diagnostic Accuracy of Doppler Ultrasound Compared to Surgical Exploration in Torsion Testis

Abstract

BACKGROUND Twisting of the spermatic cord resulting in ischemia of the testicles known as testicular torsion is a surgical emergency. Delay in diagnosis or surgery results in loss of testicles. Doppler ultrasound of scrotum is used in evaluating acute scrotum to support or rule out a diagnosis of torsion testis. Our study compares Doppler results with findings at exploration to finding out the accuracy of Doppler diagnosis in this scenario. METHODS This was a record based observational cross-sectional study. Out of all cases of acute scrotum presented to a tertiary care hospital over 14 months time, those patients with Doppler evaluation done were identified (n = 52) and their surgical findings were compared to the Doppler findings. Diagnostic accuracy of Doppler in diagnosing torsion testis was measured using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values. RESULTS Out of these 52 cases, 44 (84.6 %) were testicular torsion on exploration while remaining cases were epididymo-orchitis four (7.7 %) and testicular appendage torsion four (7.7 %). Among 44 cases of torsion testis, 31 (70.5 %) patients underwent orchiectomy (70.45 %) and in remaining 13 (29.5 %) orchiopexy was done. Sensitivity of Doppler to diagnose testicular torsion was 86.4 %, specificity was 87.5 % and accuracy was 86.54 %. Positive predictive value (PPV) was 97.4 % and negative predictive value (NPV) was 53.8 %. CONCLUSIONS Doppler ultrasound can be used as an adjunct to clinical findings in acute scrotum. High positive predictive value suggest that all Doppler diagnosed torsion should undergo emergency exploration as it will be correct in 97.5 % cases. If performing a Doppler study delays the definitive management, and if clinical findings are highly suggestive of testicular torsion, treating doctor can proceed to surgery without Doppler evaluation. KEY WORDS Doppler, Torsion Testis, Scrotum