Intratesticular Arterial Pulsatility and Resistance Index in Males with Scrotal Varicocele

Abstract

Background: To investigate difference in intratesticular arterial pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) between varicocele and healthy testes using power Doppler ultrasonography. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing scrotal ultrasonography were recruited. PI and RI of the intratesticular artery were measured using a 12-MHz power Doppler ultrasound, and varicocele grades were obtained by physical examination. Results: Forty-four males with left scrotal varicocele and 12 healthy males were included. PI and RI were similar in the right testis between groups (p = 0.31 and 0.404, respectively), but significantly higher RI in the left varicocele testis (p = 0.013). The left testes of varicocele patients had a higher RI and smaller size than their right testes (p= 0.036 and 0.001, respectively). No significant differences in PI, RI, and testicular size between different varicocele grades were observed. Conclusions: The study findings reveal that RI was higher in the varicocele testis. Thus, varicocele may have influence in the vascularity and circulation within the testis.