High-resolution sonography of scrotal contents in asymptomatic subjects.

Abstract

Forty male volunteers with no known intrascrotal pathology by history and physical examination were scanned with a 10-MHz dedicated superficial-parts scanner. Sonographic features of intrascrotal anatomy were reviewed. The testes appeared homogeneous in texture and occasionally contained cysts (8%). The echogenic head of the epididymis, although variable in size and shape, was consistently imaged. Epididymal cystic structures (29%) and calcifications (3%) were occasionally seen. The amount of peritesticular fluid, presence of variococeles , and range of scrotal skin thickness were also noted. An understanding of intrascrotal anatomy in asymptomatic subjects can provide a baseline for the evaluation of the symptomatic scrotum.