›› 2011, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (2): 173-.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2011.02.012

• Original article (Basic research) • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Mechanism of ring-enhancement by contrast-enhanced ultrasound in testicular torsion

LIU Zhen-hua1, CHEN Lin2, ZHAN Wei-wei1, YAO Jie-jie1, RUI Wen-bin3, CHEN Man1, ZHOU Jian-qiao1, ZHU Ying1, LV Chen1   

  1. 1.Department of Ultrasonography, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China；2.Department of Ultrasonography, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China；3.Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
  • Online:2011-02-28 Published:2011-03-01
  • Supported by:

    Shanghai Science and Technology Committee Foundation, 09411963400

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Abstract:

Objective To explore the mechanisms of ring-enhancement by contrast-enhanced ultrasound in testicular torsion. Methods Eighteen rabbits were randomly divided into control group, intravaginal testicular torsion group and extravaginal testicular torsion group (n=6). Appropriate amount of ultrasonic couplants were injected within or outside tunica vaginalis in intravaginal testicular torsion group and extravaginal testicular torsion group, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed. Results Ring-enhancement was found in intravaginal testicular torsion group and extravaginal testicular torsion group, while no ring-enhancement was found in control group. Ring-enhancement in intravaginal testicular torsion group was significantly stronger than that in extravaginal testicular torsion group. In intravaginal testicular torsion group, tunica vaginalis was more strongly enhanced than scrotal sac and muscles. In extravaginal testicular torsion group, scrotal sac and muscles were slightly enhanced, while tunica vaginalis was not enhanced. Conclusion Ringenhancement by contrast-enhanced ultrasound in testicular torsion mainly comes from tunica vaginalis and partly from scrotal sac and muscles, and the extent of ring-enhancement may help in the differential diagnosis of intravaginal testicular torsion and extravaginal testicular torsion.

Key words: testicular torsion, ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound