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Published in: Journal of Medical Ultrasonics 1/2024

21-10-2023 | Testicular Torsion | Original Article–Pediatrics

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic findings in torsion of the appendix testis or epididymis in children: a case series

Authors: Hiroaki Fukuzawa, Naoki Minoda, Mitsumasa Okamoto, Yudai Tsuruno, Aya Watanabe

Published in: Journal of Medical Ultrasonics | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Torsion of the appendix testis or epididymis is a cause of acute scrotum in children. Ultrasonography with color Doppler is the first-choice modality for diagnosis. However, this method requires skill and experience to make a diagnosis with confidence. Recently, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for diagnosis in various fields has been reported. However, to our knowledge, there has been no report of this method being used to diagnose torsion of the appendix testis or epididymis. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic findings in torsion of the appendix testis or epididymis.

Methods

Patients who underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for torsion of the appendix testis or epididymis at our institution between April 2010 and April 2023 were enrolled in this study (n = 12). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography findings of the affected appendage and the testis parenchyma were examined retrospectively.

Results

The parenchyma of the testes was notably enhanced in all the cases. However, 9 of the 12 cases showed that the appendage with torsion was not enhanced at all. In the remaining three cases, only slight enhancement was seen. Nevertheless, it was notably less than that of the parenchyma of the testis.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography may be an easy and reliable method for diagnosing torsion of the appendix testis or epididymis.
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Metadata
Title
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic findings in torsion of the appendix testis or epididymis in children: a case series
Authors
Hiroaki Fukuzawa
Naoki Minoda
Mitsumasa Okamoto
Yudai Tsuruno
Aya Watanabe
Publication date
21-10-2023
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Published in
Journal of Medical Ultrasonics / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1346-4523
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10396-023-01377-w

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