B-Mode Ultrasonographic Examination of Testes

Abstract

This study is being carried out to determine the potential value of B-Mode ultrasonography in the identification and diagnosis of intratesticular disorders, information heretofore onlv obtainable through biopsy. Fifty-six cases have been examined to date. Fifty-three were referred from an infertility clinic and include Oligospermic and azoospermic subjects as well as individuals with normal semen analysis. There have been one hydrocele, one neoplasm, one abscess and one Klinefelter’s syndrome. Our initial results indicate no difference between individuals with normal or subnormal semen quality with respect to the presence and pattern of internal testicular echoes. A characteristic echo Dattern is obtained from the region of the rete testis but otherwise the testis remains echo-free. The hydrocele, testicular abscess, and tumour had appearances distinctly different from the usual pattern. The technique affords an accurate measurement of testicular thickness and may have thepotential for revealing early testicular neoplasms.