Testicular Flow Research Articles

Diagnosis of testicular torsion with preserved blood flow detected by color Doppler ultrasonography

BackgroundTo diagnose testicular torsion promptly and accurately when diagnosis of testicular torsion is difficult by color Doppler ultrasonography owing to testicular blood flow, we assess the helpfulness of physical findings to aid diagnosis of testicular torsion in cases with preserved testicular blood flow.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data of 45 patients below 18 years of age with suspected diagnosis of testicular torsion and underwent surgery. The clinical data of testicular torsion with normal testicular blood flow were compared to testicular torsion with normal testicular blood flow or no-testicular torsion for accurate diagnosis of testicular torsion.ResultsTesticular torsion was diagnosed in 34 of the 45 patients, and normal testicular blood flow was detected in six of the 34 patients. In testicular torsion with normal flow, duration of symptoms was significantly shorter, and the degree of torsion was significantly more mild than decreased blood flow. All testicular torsion with normal testicular flow had abnormal testicular findings. Duration of symptoms in patients with testicular torsion with normal flow was also significantly shorter than non-testicular torsion.ConclusionsIf testicular blood flow is detected, the presence of abnormal testicular findings and short duration of symptom are highly suspicious for testicular torsion.

Перфузия яичек в оценке аутопластики пахового канала перемещенным апоневротическим лоскутом

BACKGROUND: Numerous methods of eliminating abdominal wall defects developed in the world today do not allow us to talk about solving the problem of hernias. In particular, the causes of chronic postoperative pain associated with the effect of scarring on the spermatic cord have not been fully studied. Testicular flow studies after hernia repair mostly showed different outcomes. AIM: Comparative assessment of blood flow parameters of the testicular, capsular and intratesticular arteries, as well as the diameter of the testicular artery after autoplasty with a displaced aponeurotic flap and Lichtenstein hernioplasty using ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new method of autoplasty was used in 35 patients (Group I). The comparison group (Group II) amounted to 35 patients with Lichtenstein hernioplasty surgery using partially absorbable mesh endoprosthesis (UltraPro). The dynamics of changes in blood flow in the arteries was assessed using color Doppler before surgery, in the early and late postoperative periods. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon paired test showed a significant difference between preoperative and immediately postoperative measurements in both groups. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found in the end-diastolic velocity and resistance index in the testicular, capsular and intratesticular arteries 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The difference in peak systolic velocity was significant in the testicular artery also in the late stages after hernioplasty. The diameter of the testicular artery tended to increase in dynamics, but there was no any statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The method of autoplasty in the inguinal canal with a displaced aponeurotic flap does not significantly affect testicular perfusion. In Group II, arterial blood flow indicators 6 months and 1 year after surgery were lower than basal values and had statistically significant differences compared to Group I.

The role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of testicular torsion in children

Doppler ultrasound constitutes the gold standard for the diagnosis of testicular torsion (TT), although sometimes the spermatic cord twisting and absence of testicular flow are difficult to visualize. To date, no laboratory markers have been shown to be useful for preoperative TT diagnosis. Our aim is to analyze the role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of pediatric TT. A retrospective single-center case-control study was performed in patients with ultrasound suspicion of TT, in whom surgical testicular examination was performed between 2016 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups according to the intraoperative findings: TT group (testicular torsion), defined as spermatic cord twisting on itself around its longitudinal axis at least 360°, and non-TT group (no torsion). Demographics, clinical, ultrasound and laboratory features at admission were analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity were determined by the area under the curve (AUC) represented on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 159 patients were included (117TT group; 42 non-TT group), with no demographic or clinical differences. TT group patients presented significantly shorter median time since symptoms onset (4 vs. 8h; p<0.012). Laboratory inflammatory test were significantly higher in TT group: Leukocytes (10,900×103/μl vs. 7,980×103/μl; p<0.001), neutrophils (8,050×103/μl vs. 3,350×103/μl; p<0.001) and NLR (4.6 vs. 1.1; p<0.001). In ROC curve analysis, NLR presented the highest AUC (0.903), significantly higher than all other laboratory and ultrasound parameters. NLR of 2.3 was the cut-off point with maximum sensitivity (86.9%) and specificity (94.8%). This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study to analyze the usefulness of NLR in predicting the diagnosis of TT in patients with clinical and ultrasound suspicion. The limitations are mainly derived from being a single-center retrospective study. For this reason, multicenter studies with a higher number of patients and prospective design may be useful to minimize these biases. The sample size of our study, although not large, has allowed us to identify significant differences between the distinct parameters analyzed as predictors of TT. However, the absence of other similar studies in pediatric patients has hindered the comparison of our results. NLR should be considered as a predictor of pediatric TT in cases with nuclear ultrasound suspicion that may help to anticipate the urgent surgical treatment in these patients.

Testicular microvascular flow is altered in Klinefelter syndrome and predicts circulating testosterone: a preliminary cross-sectional study

Testicular microvascular flow is altered in Klinefelter syndrome and predicts circulating testosterone: a preliminary cross-sectional study

Epididymal or Testicular Ultrasonic Findings: Which One is More Reliable for Differentiation of Testicular Torsion from Epididymitis?

Background: Ultrasound is the primary modality for the evaluation of patients with acute scrotum. Accurate exclusion of testicular torsion is prevented from unnecessary surgical exploration. Objectives: We assessed scrotal changes in pediatric testicular torsion in comparison epidydimits, with purpose to determine more specific points for differentiation testicular torsion from epididymitis. Methods: During 2011 - 2017 a descriptive case control study was performed in Dr. Sheikh and Akbar Children hospital, Mashhad medical university of science. The 41 pediatric patients with acute scrotum (21 cases with testicular torsion and 20 cases with epididymitis) were examined. Eventually, the sonographic findings were analyzed to compare the results. Results: Testicular and epididymal enlargement, hydrocele, the hyperemia of surrounding tissues and the scrotal skin thickening are observed in both epididymitis and torsion without any significant difference (P ≥ 0.05). Some other findings where observed in both groups with a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) such as changes in echogenicity of testis and epididymis, abnormal testicular axis and spermatic cord changes are observed in both epididymitis and torsion; but they had low sensitivity. The most specific signs of testicular torsion were testicular parenchymal heterogenicity (94%), testicular flow pattern (94%), increased echogenicity of epididymis (73%), heterogenicity of epididymis (84%), abnormal epididymis location (100%), mass-like configuration of epididymis (100%) and epididymis flow pattern (100%). The most epididymal findings are more specific and sensitive than testicular findings. Conclusions: Avascularity, heterogenicity, displacement and mass-like configuration of epididymis are reliable sonographic findings for differentiation testicular torsion from epididymitis. They have high diagnostic value with sensitivity of 75% - 100% and specificity of 84 - 100%. So, making proper use of them can minimize diagnostic pitfalls.

Testicular torsion with preserved flow: key sonographic features and value-added approach to diagnosis

Testicular sonography has contributed greatly to the preoperative diagnosis of testicular torsion in the pediatric patient and is the mainstay for evaluation of acute scrotal pain. Despite its high sensitivity and specificity, both false-negative and false-positive findings occur. Presence of documented Doppler flow within the testis might be a dissuading factor for surgical exploration with resultant testicular loss in the false-negative cases. Our goal is to illustrate key sonographic features in the spectrum of testicular torsion with preserved testicular flow, and to describe how to differentiate testicular torsion from epididymitis in order to avoid the under-diagnosis of testicular torsion. We simplify the anatomy of the bell clapper testis. We also describe our sonographic protocol for testicular torsion and share valuable tips from our approach to challenging cases.

Laparoscopic TEP repair of inguinal hernia does not alter testicular perfusion

The effect of laparoscopic TEP repair on testicular perfusion is unclear. The procedure entails dissection of testicular blood vessels off the hernial sac and incorporation of a prosthetic mesh. This carries at minimum, a theoretical risk of compromise in testicular blood supply, which in turn may affect fertility. Our study aims to establish if any alteration in testicular perfusion occurs in very early (24h), early (1week) or late postoperative period (3months) after laparoscopic TEP repair in the Indian population. In our prospective trial, 20 patients underwent unilateral and 8 underwent bilateral laparoscopic TEP hernia repairs using standard technique by experienced surgeons. Flow parameters of testicular, capsular and intratesticular artery were noted using color Doppler ultrasound preoperatively and postoperatively and the postoperative resistive indexes of operated side (n=36) were compared with preoperative values. Additionally, for unilateral repairs, flow parameters on operated side were compared with the non-operated side. No statistically significant difference was noticed in the resistive index of the arteries upon comparing these postoperative with preoperative values. For unilateral repairs, the flow parameters of the operated side were comparable with that of non-operated side (i.e. p>0.05). Laparoscopic TEP performed by experienced surgeons does not alter testicular flow dynamics in early or late postoperative period.

Sonographic appearances of the epididymis in boys with acute testicular torsion but preserved testicular blood flow on color Doppler.

Little attention has been given to the sonographic appearances of the epididymis in testicular torsion. To describe the position and morphology of the epididymis in childhood acute testicular torsion when testicular flow is present on color Doppler sonography. We studied the sonographic findings in boys with clinically and surgically proven acute testicular torsion who were examined sonographically from May 2013 to May 2014 and who had preserved intratesticular flow on color Doppler sonography. We retrospectively evaluated the sonograms with emphasis on the epididymal findings. In all nine boys with confirmed torsion but with preserved intratesticular flow on color Doppler sonography, the epididymal head had an unexpected configuration and size, and no close relationship with the upper pole of the testis. In five of these children the spermatic cord appeared twisted on the affected side. In the remaining four boys the spermatic cord appeared straight. The position and morphology of the head of the epididymis were abnormal in all boys with acute testicular torsion but with preserved testicular flow.

Antisperm antibodies and testicular blood flow after inguinal hernia mesh repair.

Testicular flow studies after hernia mesh repair mostly showed different outcomes. The reason of infertility in some men after hernia repair is immunological factors. Aim of the study was to investigate the influence of mesh hernia repair on antisperm antibodies production and testicular blood flow and a connection among these parameters. A prospective interventional longitudinal cohort study was made on 82 male patients without exclusion criteria who had an inguinal hernia. Patients underwent laparoscopic TAPP or open tension-free hernia repair. Vascular ultrasound and antisperm antibodies were measured in the preoperative and postoperative periods. Main outcome measures were resistive index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PSV) cm/s, and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) cm/s in testicular blood flow measurement and the quantitative value of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in serum (IU/ml). ASA significantly increased postoperatively only in patients who underwent open tension-free hernia repair (p < 0.001). ASA stayed in normal range in all patients except the one with postoperative complication. Friedman analysis showed significant change of the RI only on intratesticular (p < 0.001) and capsular artery level (0.02) in patients who underwent laparoscopic technique. PSV significantly changed on intratesticular (p < 0.001) and capsular artery level (p = 0.015) in the laparoscopic hernia repair. PSV showed significant change on intratesticular (p < 0.001) and testicular artery levels (p < 0.001) in the open tension-free hernia repair. EDV showed significant change only on testicular artery level (p = 0.032) in the patients who had open tension-free hernia repair. These blood flow parameters significantly increased in the early postoperative period and returned on basal value in the late postoperative period. Parameters of flow did not show any significant correlation with ASA. Mesh hernia repairs without complication caused only a transitory change in testicular blood flow and no clinical significant autoimmune reaction.

Hernioplasty and testicular perfusion

Open and laparoscopic tension-free techniques of hernia repair using synthetic meshes are a well-accepted practice with an excellent patient comfort and a low recurrence rate. It is well known that, direct contact of the mesh to the vessels in the inguinal canal and perimesh fibrosis may have a negative impact on testicular flow. Whether different operative techniques or mesh materials used have an effect on the integrity of the testicle, the influence of the resulting fibrosis on testicular perfusion, and spermatic cord structures is still unclear.Our objective is to review whether there is an association between inguinal hernia and hernia repair techniques, pitfalls of various manipulations and also specific applications on spermatic cord structures and testicular perfusion in view of the literature.Most of the clinical and experimental studies result support the idea that inguinal mesh application for hernioplasty is still a safe procedure in patients. Testicular blood flow may be influenced during open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery. But, so far, there is no evidence for a significant impairment of cord structures after open or laparoscopic hernia repair using tension free techniques. It is clear that fine surgical dissection and reconstruction, doing respect for anatomy and using proper prosthetic material could be obtain the best results. Whether changes in flow parameters remain in the late postoperative period, and whether they have an impact on complications should be evaluated in further clinical and experimental studies.

Intermittent Testicular Torsion in the Pediatric Patient: Sonographic Indicators of a Difficult Diagnosis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether intermittent testicular torsion, defined as the sudden onset of unilateral scrotal pain of short duration with spontaneous resolution, has sonographic indicators that can be used to establish the diagnosis. A retrospective search for pediatric patients presenting with suspected intermittent testicular torsion over a 2-year period was performed. The sonographic findings, medical records for clinical presentation, surgical outcomes, and comorbidities relevant to intermittent testicular torsion were reviewed. Analysis was performed on two separate categories for intermittent testicular torsion: total patient episodes (n = 19) and surgical cases (n = 10), with a total of 15 patients with 1.26 episodes per patient. Of the 19 episodes of intermittent testicular torsion, 63% (12) had either absent flow followed by normal to increased flow (n = 6, p = 0.18) or increased testicular flow (n = 6), 26% (5) had normal flow, and 10.5% (2) had decreased flow. Of the total episodes of intermittent testicular torsion, 79% (15) had a whirlpool sign or pseudomass, 10.5% (2) had neither a whirlpool sign or pseudomass but a "boggy" thickened cord, and 10.5% (2) had a normal appearance of the spermatic cord with no pseudomass. The whirlpool sign or an abnormal boggy cord and pseudomass formation below the twisted spermatic cord were both significant findings to support a diagnosis of intermittent testicular torsion. Although change from no perfusion to perfusion during the examination was not statistically significant in our cases, when present it led to the correct diagnosis in each case.

Influence of inguinal hernia mesh repair on testicular flow and sperm autoimmunity

The incidence of infertility caused by the mesh inguinal hernia repair is not known. The aim of this study was to determine circulation and immunological testicular disorders after inguinal hernia mesh repair which can be related with infertility. From February 2010 to December 2010, 43 male patients who underwent inguinal hernia mesh repair were included in a prospective study. Testicular, capsular and intratesticular arterial flow dynamics were measured by Color Doppler ultrasound before the operation, in early and late postoperative period. The antisperm antibodies were analyzed before hernia repair and 5 months after. The difference between patients who underwent laparoscopic (Group I) and anterior open tension-free hernia repair (Group II) in age, duration of symptoms and hernia characteristics were not significant. Statistically significant differences were found in peak-systolic and end-diastolic velocity in testicular and intratesticular arteries in Group II and in peak-systolic velocity on all levels in Group I. Only Group I had significant differences in resistive index of intratesticular arteries. All the values returned to basal in late postoperative period except testicular peak-systolic velocity in Group I which stayed in normal range. Wilcox matched pair test showed significant difference between preoperative and late postoperative measurements of the antisperm antibodies only in Group II, but it was within normal range in all cases. Inguinal hernia mesh repair do not have clinically significant influence on testicular flow and immunological response.

Neonatal testicular torsion with an unusual sonographic feature

Neonatal testicular torsion is a rare entity, the exact etiology of which is not elucidated. Imaging is performed using color Doppler ultrasound and scintigraphic studies with typically diminished testicular flow on the side with torsion. We present a case of testicular torsion in a newborn with increased testicular vascularity demonstrated by ultrasound and suggesting a torsion-detorsion sequence. Management of patients with torsion involves assessing the risks of neonatal surgery versus the possibility of finding viable testicular tissue at surgical exploration.

Torsion of the spermatic cord: the main gray-scale and doppler sonographic signs

Scrotal ultrasonography (US) is usually the initial imaging modality for evaluating patients who present with acute pathologic conditions of the scrotum. Acute epididymitis, acute epididymo-orchitis, torsion of the spermatic cord (TSC), and other acute scrotal abnormalities may have similar findings at clinical examination. Pain and swelling make the clinical examination difficult, sometimes practically impossible, potentially resulting in management delays. The objective of this review is to summarize the main clinical signs of the TSC and to illustrate and briefly discuss the US features of this entity, including gray-scale imaging, color Doppler with spectral analysis, and power Doppler sonography. Although TSC can occur at any age, it is most common in adolescent boys. The intensity of the symptoms and the US findings vary with the duration of the torsion, number of twists in the spermatic cord (degree of rotation), and how tightly the vessels of the cord are compressed. An enlarged, more spherical, and diffusely hypoechogenic testis without detectable arterial and venous testicular flow at color and power Doppler US is considered diagnostic of acute testicular ischemia. The presence of a color or power Doppler signal in one part of the testis does not exclude TSC. Positive blood flow but significantly diminished, usually near or inside the mediastinum, may be found, mainly in the partial or incomplete TSC. Identification of a large echogenic extratesticular mass distal to the site of the torsion, frequently misinterpreted as a chronic epididymitis, can be the key to the diagnosis of TSC. When a small arterial sign is found a low amplitude waveform is present with an increased resistive index on the affected side due to a diminished, absent, or reversed diastolic flow. Gray-scale imaging, color Doppler, power Doppler and pulsed Doppler with spectral analysis are very effective to make or exclude the diagnosis of TSC.

Does the presence of a mesh have an effect on the testicular blood flow after surgical repair of indirect inguinal hernia?

Modern treatment of inguinal hernias includes prosthetic mesh repairs. However, direct contact of the mesh to the vessels in the inguinal canal and perimesh fibrosis may have a negative impact on testicular flow. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of mesh implantation/perimesh fibrosis on testicular flow after repair of indirect inguinal hernias (IIHs). Forty-eight male patients with unilateral IIH were included. Both testicular parenchyma were assessed using gray-scale sonography, and color/spectral Doppler sonography was performed to evaluate testicular arterial impedance, perfusion, and venous flow. Measurements were made bilaterally at the level of the inguinal canal 1 day before and at the end of the 2nd month after the operation. There was no difference in testicular and echotexture perfusion between the hernia and the control sides pre- and postoperatively. No venous thrombosis was found. In all groups, resistance index and pulsatility index, measured at 4 levels, were highest in the proximal inguinal canal and lowest at the extratesticular-intrascrotal level (p < 0.05). For all Doppler parameters there was no significant difference between the pre- and postoperative measurements on both the hernia and the control sides. Mesh implantation/perimesh fibrosis does not adversely affect ipsilateral testicular flow. Mesh application is still a safe procedure in male patients in whom testicular function is important.

Does mesh/perimesh fibrosis have an effect on testicular arterial flow in patients with repaired inguinal hernia?

Does mesh/perimesh fibrosis have an effect on testicular arterial flow in patients with repaired inguinal hernia?

Clinical and sonographic criteria of acute scrotum in children: a retrospective study of 172 boys

Diagnosis of testicular torsion in children is challenging, as clinical presentation and findings may overlap with other diagnoses. To define the clinical and ultrasound criteria that best predict testicular torsion. The records of children hospitalized for acute scrotum from 1997 to 2002 were reviewed. The clinical and ultrasound findings of children who had a final diagnosis of testicular torsion were compared with those of children who had other diagnoses (torsion of the testicular appendix, epididymitis, and epididymo-orchitis). Forty-one children had testicular torsion; 131 had other diagnoses. Stepwise regression analysis yielded three factors that were significantly associated with testicular torsion: duration of pain < or =6 h; absent or decreased cremasteric reflex; and diffuse testicular tenderness. When the children were scored by final diagnosis for the presence of these factors (0-3), none of the children with a score of 0 had testicular torsion, whereas 87% with a score of 3 did. The ultrasound finding of decreased or absent testicular flow had a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 99%. Eight of ten children with testicular torsion and normal or increased testicular flow had a coiled spermatic cord on ultrasound. We suggest that all children with acute scrotal pain and a clinical score of 3 should undergo testicular exploration, and children with a lower probability of testicular torsion (score 1 or 2) should first undergo diagnostic ultrasound. Because the presence of testicular flow does not exclude torsion, the spermatic cord should be meticulously evaluated in all children with acute scrotum and normal or increased testicular blood flow.

Ipsilateral orchialgia after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

Complications related to laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) have been similar to those associated with open renal donor nephrectomy (ODN). However, during clinical follow-up, we noted a group of male patients who developed acute ipsilateral orchialgia after LDN. In an effort to assess the incidence of this problem, determine the etiology, and adapt preventive measures, we reviewed our experience. A retrospective chart review was performed on 381 consecutive LDNs performed between February 1995 and November 2001 to assess for postoperative orchialgia. There were 157 male patients (41.2%) in our series. Our technique involves ligation of the gonadal vessels, periureteral tissue, and ureter over the iliac artery using either surgical clips or a linear laparoscopic GIA stapler. Left-sided nephrectomy was performed in 145 (92.3%) male patients, of whom 14 (9.6%) complained of ipsilateral orchialgia. Statistical analysis (t-test) of the orchialgia and non-orchialgia groups with respect to operative time, estimated blood loss, warm ischemia time, and ureteral length revealed no statistical differences (P>0.1). Onset of testicular pain occurred on average at postoperative day 5 (range days 1-14). The mean follow-up was 24.4 +/- 14.8 months (range 6-52 months). Ten patients were evaluated with transcrotal duplex ultrasonography. One patient with decreased flow and was managed conservatively, while one patient without detectable testicular flow underwent surgical exploration. One patient underwent spermatocelectomy and had improvement but not resolution of pain. The remaining patients were treated conservatively with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and empiric antibiotics. Seven patients (50%) had complete spontaneous resolution of orchialgia on average 6.3+/-7.2 months after LDN. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has proven to be an effective and safe surgical procedure. However, further evaluation has demonstrated a complication not previously reported, namely ipsilateral orchialgia. The etiology remains unclear but may be injury to the sensory nerves of the testicle during dissection of the periureteral tissue or transection of the spermatic cord. Further anatomic and physiological studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of this problem.

Effect of Mesh and its Localisation on Testicular Flow and Spermatogenesis in Patients with Groin Hernia

In this study, the long-term effects of mesh and its localisation (i.e. anterior or posterior) on testicular perfusion and testicular function were evaluated in groin hernia patients.Testicular function has been evaluated with spermiogram and testicular perfusion with colour Doppler ultrasonography. Group I: consisted of 30 posterior preperitoneal mesh repair patients Group II: consisted of 30 anterior tension-free repair patients. The operation types were randomised with a systematic sampling method.There was no statistically significant difference between pre-operative and postoperative spermiogram results for both groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of Doppler flow parameters (PSV, EDV, RI and PI) for pre-operative, early and late postoperative periods.When Doppler flow parameters were compared for group I, statistically significant differences were found between pre-operative and early postoperative values. No statistically significant difference was found between pre-operative and late postoperative values. This is also true for early postoperative values versus late postoperative values. When Doppler flow parameters were compared for group II, statistically significant differences were found between pre-operative and early postoperative values. No statistically significant difference was found between pre-operative and late postoperative values. This is also true for early postoperative values versus late postoperative values. These results support the idea that inguinal mesh application is still a safe procedure in patients with no children or who are undergoing infertility treatment, where testicular function is important.

Mediation by nitric oxide of the stimulatory effects of ethanol on blood flow

The contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to the hemodynamic effects associated with alcohol oxidation was assessed in rats given either ethanol or water by gastric tube, with and without pre-treatment with either the NO synthase inhibitor N ω−monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 15 mg/Kg i.p.) or the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP; 82 mg/Kg i.p.). Alcohol increased plasma NO (measured with chemiluminescence) by 63%. This was prevented by either L-NMMA or 4-MP. Cardiac output and regional blood flows were determined with 57Cobalt-labeled microspheres. Alcohol markedly enhanced portal blood flow (130 ± 6 ml/min/Kg vs. 62 ± 4, in controls; p < 0.01) with no changes in the hepatic, splenic or pancreatic arterial blood flows, indicating that the vasodilatation is mainly mesenteric. In addition, it quadrupled the coronary blood flow, doubled the renal flow and increased cardiac output by 38%, with no significant changes in pulmonary, cerebral or testicular flows. All the stimulatory effects of ethanol on flow, as well as the rise in NO levels, were prevented by L-NMMA, incriminating NO as the mediator of the hemodynamic effects of ethanol oxidation, acting probably via acetate and adenosine.