Intratesticular varicocele in adolescents: a reversible anechoic lesion of the testis.
OBJECTIVE
We describe ultrasonographic and clinical findings in adolescents with intratesticular varicocele.


METHODS
Three adolescent boys 12 to 16 years old each had a large intratesticular multicystic lesion on scrotal Doppler ultrasound for a large extratesticular varicocele. The presence of active Doppler flow within the anechoic lesions supported the diagnosis of intratesticular varicocele.


RESULTS
All 3 boys underwent spermatic vein ligation for varicocele. In each case scrotal Doppler ultrasound at 3 months postoperatively demonstrated resolution of the intratesticular anechoic lesions and Doppler flow, confirming the diagnoses of intratesticular varicocele.


CONCLUSIONS
Intratesticular varicocele is a clinically occult lesion that may occur in conjunction with extratesticular varicocele. This entity is apparent on scrotal Doppler ultrasound as an intratesticular anechoic lesion with active Doppler flow, and has been shown to resolve following spermatic vein ligation. Its clinical significance has not yet been defined.
Diamond
David A
DA
Department of Urology, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02459, USA.
Roth
Jonathan A
JA
Cilento
Bartley G
BG
Barnewolt
Carol E
CE
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014646:Varicocele / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery