Multiparametric US for scrotal diseases.
Michele BertolottoMatilda MuçaFrancesca CurròStefano BucciLaurence RocherMaria Assunta CovaPublished in: Abdominal radiology (New York) (2019)
Multiparametric US is increasingly recognized as a valuable problem-solving technique in scrotal pathologies. Compared to conventional Doppler modes, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has higher sensitivity in assessing the presence or absence of flows, and to improve differentiation between poorly vascularized tumors and non-neoplastic, avascular lesions. Characterization of benign and malignant complex cysts is improved. In trauma patients, CEUS can help evaluating the viability of testicular parenchyma. In patients with severe epididymo-orchitis, it allows unequivocal assessment of post-inflammatory ischemic changes and abscess formation. CEUS does not add significantly to conventional Doppler modes in spermatic cord torsion. Attempt of differentiating benign and malignant tumors remains a research tool. In the clinical practice, elastography has a limited role for tumor characterization. The majority of malignant tumors are stiff at elastography, but they may display soft areas, or appear globally soft. A quantitative evaluation of testicular stiffness is feasible using shear-wave elastography. Potential clinical applications for elastographic modes could include work-up of infertile patients.
Keyphrases
- contrast enhanced
- magnetic resonance imaging
- contrast enhanced ultrasound
- diffusion weighted
- trauma patients
- computed tomography
- magnetic resonance
- clinical practice
- end stage renal disease
- diffusion weighted imaging
- ejection fraction
- newly diagnosed
- germ cell
- early onset
- prognostic factors
- high resolution
- peritoneal dialysis
- type diabetes
- patient reported outcomes
- metabolic syndrome
- risk assessment
- skeletal muscle
- climate change
- rare case
- patient reported