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Ultrasound of Small Parts |
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suspected abnormalities
of the scrotum |
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scrotal ultrasound is valuable |
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It is not invasive and
involves no radiation. |
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Ultrasound of Small Parts - Thyroid |
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Definition
Scrotal ultrasound is an imaging technique used for the diagnosis
of suspected abnormalities of the scrotum. It uses harmless, high-frequency
sound waves to form an image. The sound waves are reflected by scrotal
tissue to form a picture of internal structures. It is not invasive
and involves no radiation.
Purpose
Ultrasound of the scrotum is the primary imaging method used to evaluate
disorders of the testicles and surrounding tissues. It is used when
a patient has acute pain in the scrotum. Some of the problems for
which the use of scrotal ultrasound is valuable include an absent
or un-descended testicle, an inflammation problem, testicular torsion,
a fluid collection, abnormal blood vessels, or a mass (lump or tumor).
Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord that contains
the blood vessels which supply the testicles. It is caused by abnormally
loose attachments of tissues that are formed during fetal development.
Torsion can be complete, incomplete, or intermittent. Spontaneous
detorsion, or untwisting, can occur, making diagnosis difficult. Testicular
torsion arises most commonly during adolescence, and is acutely painful.
Scrotal ultrasound is used to distinguish this condition from inflammatory
problems, such as epididymitis. Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency;
it should be operated on as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage
to the testes.
A sudden onset of pain in the scrotum is considered a serious problem,
as delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to loss of function.
Epididymitis is the most common cause of this type of pain. Epididymitis
is an inflammation of the Epididymis, a tubular structure that transports
sperm from the testes. It is most often caused by bacterial infection,
but may occur after injury, or arise from an unknown cause. Epididymitis
is treatable with antibiotics, which usually resolves pain quickly.
Left untreated, this condition can lead to abscess formation or loss
of blood supply to the testicle.
Normal results
A normal study would reveal testicles of normal size and shape, with
no masses. |
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