Sonographic features of focal orchitis.
High-resolution sonography is a very sensitive imaging modality for detecting intratesticular pathology and is an accurate means of distinguishing intratesticular lesions (usually malignant) from extratesticular ones (usually benign). Unfortunately, there are no reliable sonographic criteria to distinguish testicular neoplasms from focal benign intratesticular lesions such as infarction, hemorrhage, or infection. We describe three cases of focal orchitis in which the sonographic features did allow a confident diagnosis of intratesticular infection. In each case a focal peripheral hypoechoic intratesticular abnormality was seen that was poorly defined or crescent-shaped, adjacent to an enlarged epididymis. The specific sonographic features suggest the diagnosis of focal orchitis and orchiectomy can be prevented. Rapid improvement (2 to 4 weeks) should be seen sonographically and in all cases the intratesticular lesions should be followed to complete resolution.
Lentini
J F
JF
Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
Benson
C B
CB
Richie
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004822:Epididymis / Q000473:pathology; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009920:Orchitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods