Diagnostic Value of Combined Diffusion Weighted MRI and Conventional MRI in The Diagnosis of Non-Palpable Undescended Testes

Abstract

Background: Additional MRI assessments, as DWI are useful methods to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnosis of non-palpable testes. Objective: The aim of this work was to assess diagnostic value of combined diffusion weighted MRI and conventional MRI in the diagnosis of non-palpable undescended testes before laparoscopy. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study during a period of 12 months duration from January 2018 to December 2018 including 30 male patients with 33 non-palpable undescended testes (unilateral in 27 cases and bilateral in three cases). They were prospectively enrolled in this study. Their ages ranged from 6 months to 21 years old (mean age = 4.04 ± 4.004 years, mood=1 years). The research was carried on the Radiology Department, Al Azhar University Hospital and AlAhrar Teaching Hospital. All patients underwent ultrasound then underwent magnetic resonance imaging included different pulse sequences and scanning planes. Results: Conventional MRI showed sensitivity of 79.31%, specificity of 100% and overall accuracy of 81.82%; DWI had higher sensitivity (82.76%) but lower specificity (75%) and similar overall accuracy (81.82%) compared to conventional MRI; combined assessment had the highest sensitivity (86.21%), specificity (100%) and accuracy (87.88%). Conclusion: DWI findings complement the information on the location and viability of undescended testes obtained with conventional MRI before laparoscopy.