MR imaging of the scrotum: pathologic conditions.

Abstract

The utility of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in studying a variety of intratesticular and extratesticular pathologic conditions was assessed. The high magnetic signal intensity of the testis provided an excellent background for visualization of intratesticular abnormalities. Except for old blood, all intratesticular processes were less intense than testis, especially on T2-weighted images. The visualization of the tunica albuginea is a distinct advantage, allowing its assessment in cases of trauma or testicular tumors. Epididymal and spermatic cord abnormalities were easily recognized. All pathologic conditions were best seen on T2-weighted images acquired in the coronal plane. Balanced images allowed for tissue characterization.

The Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 1.5 T in the Evaluation of the Scrotal Content

“…Orchitis and tumors could be differen tiated in all our cases. This confirms the results of other investigators [ 1 ].…”

“…Confirming the results of other investigators [1,6] MR imaging allowed the precise assessment of all impor tant anatomic structures of the scrotum (table 2). The recognition and identification of extra-and intratesticular normal and pathologic structures greater than 1 mm was possible ( fig.…”

Scrotal Disorders: Evaluation of Testicular Enhancement Patterns at Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Subtraction MR Imaging

“…Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with use of a dynamic contrast mediumenhanced subtraction technique can provide information about testicular perfusion because of its high sensitivity for the enhancement induced by paramagnetic contrast media (13)(14)(15)(16). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different enhancement patterns of the testes in testicular and extratesticular diseases at dynamic contrast medium-enhanced subtraction MR imaging.…”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Localization of Undescended Abdominal Testes

“…A high level of specificity was demonstrated, no false-positives were reported and only 2 false-negative results were seen. Another advantage of MRI is the structural analy sis of the testicular parenchyma that enables distin guishing among normal and degenerated testes even if size and morphology were preserved [11], Although we have no experience in our series on this, we think this analysis could also be utilized in the study of abdominal testes.…”

“…palpation of the testis, but it is of limited value for abdominal testes. Laparoscopy has been proposed as an alternative to explorative surgery to locate the intraab dominal testis [9,10]; although less invasive it still requires general anesthesia.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is nowadays fre quently used in the diagnosis and staging of testicular diseases [11,12]. Owing to its high intrinsic contrast and to the possibility of multiplanar acquisitions, MRI pro vides striking anatomic details and could be used in the pre-operative evaluation of abdominal testes.…”