The Diagnostic Value of Testicular Scanning

Kim, Ki Kyung; Kim, Tai Chin

Abstract

Among causes of acute scrotum, epididymitis and testicular torsion are most common causes. There is difficulty in differential diagnosis of testicular torsion and acute epididymitis because of their similarities in clinical features. Recently, the radioisotope testicular scanning in imaging procedures has been introduced as that is simple, rapid and a high accuracy. So, 28 cases with scrotal swelling and pain were studied by means of testicular scanning in the Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University Hospital during the period from February, 1981 to September, 1983. The following results were obtained: 1. 2 cases those were diagnosed as testicular torsion clinically showed typical findings of torsion on scanning. They were confirmed as torsion by operation. 2. 16 cases were diagnosed as acute epididymitis clinically. 13 of them gave the scan findings compatible with epididymitis and all cases were well improved with antibiotic therapy. Remaining 3 cases showed findings of torsion and were confirmed surgically. 3. 8 cases were diagnosed as testicular injury clinically. In 5 cases scan showed findings of trauma and were also confirmed by operation. In the other 3 cases. scan showed findings of epididymitis and all of them were improved with antibiotic therapy. As above results testicular scan is easily available and accurate diagnostic method in the evaluation of patient with acute scrotal disorders.