Magnetic resonance imaging of scrotal diseases: when it makes the difference.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after inconclusive sonography in the evaluation of scrotal disease.


METHODS
From 1993 to 1999, 622 patients underwent ultrasonography (US) with state-of-the-art equipment to evaluate scrotal diseases. Twenty-six patients, two with bilateral and distinct diseases (age range 1--63 years, mean 33), had an inconclusive sonogram and were sent for MRI. The MRI results were compared with previous US reports and with the final diagnosis.


RESULTS
MRI yielded additional and correct information (compared with US), coincident with the final diagnosis in 23 cases (82.1%). In regard to lesions suspected of malignancy at US (17 cases), MRI had a great concordance with the final diagnosis and was statistically significant (P <0.002, kappa test).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our study indicate that MRI could help elucidate scrotal dilemmas found at US, although the small percentage of inconclusive sonograms confirms this technique as the first choice when imaging is required in scrotal diseases.
Muglia
Valdair
V
Department of Radiology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Tucci
Silvio
S
Elias
Jorge
J
Trad
Clóvis Simao
CS
Bilbey
James
J
Cooperberg
Peter Leonard
PL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005834:Genital Neoplasms, Male / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012611:Scrotum / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography