Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2017 | Letter to the Editor
A medical calculator to determine testicular volumes matching ultrasound values from the width of the testis obtained in the scrotum with a centimeter ruler
Published in: International Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology | Issue 1/2017
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The determination of the testicular volume is of considerable importance to assess the onset, progression and disorders of puberty, abnormal testicular development, and a number of other conditions; and in adults, assessment of fertility. A number of clinical methods have been used for the measurement of testicular volumes in the scrotum: a centimeter ruler, sliding calipers, and orchidometers. All the clinical methods calculate the volumes by the ellipsoid equation, grossly overestimate ultrasound (US) volumes by 70 to 80% for adults, to 150 to 250% for prepubertal subjects, mainly because the inclusion of the scrotal skin and epididymis and may not be accurate of reproducible. Ultrasound measurements have a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility and are the standard for quantitation of testicular volume. Formulas, equivalent to the ellipsoid equations used, were developed to match ultrasound volumes, with corrections of the width and length of the testis obtained in the scrotum, to avoid the inclusion of the scrotal skin (ss) and epididymis.
A calculator was developed, requiring only the identification of ① the width of the testis in cm obtained in the scrotum with a ruler (without corrections) (i.e. 0.9, 1.5, 2.0, 2.4 cm etc.) and ② the stage of genital development. The calculator will subtract the scrotal skin for the stage of genital development, from the measurement of the width provided, apply the formula and identify the testicular volume of the subject that matches the US volume.
The calculator will also provide, in a Table form, the values for the different stages of genital development.
Benefit: The information provided by the calculator will solve the problem of overestimation by the orchidometers and the external measurements, problems with the reference of values to age, and Tanner stages, would permit assessment of the beginning and progression of puberty, of micro and macroorchidism, and other conditions mentioned.