Role of spectral Doppler sonography in the evaluation of partial testicular torsion.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this series was to evaluate the role of spectral Doppler and color flow Doppler sonography in the evaluation of partial testicular torsion.

METHODS

Eight cases of partial testicular torsion, diagnosed on the basis of abnormal spectral Doppler waveforms or abnormal color flow Doppler findings, were retrospectively pooled from 2 teaching hospitals.

RESULTS

The age group ranged from 4 to 85 years. Testicles with partial testicular torsion showed variable spectral Doppler patterns, including increased, similar, or decreased amplitude of the arterial waveform relative to the contralateral testicle. Two cases showed reversal of arterial diastolic flow, and 1 case showed diastolic flow variability within the same testicle. Decreased blood flow was observed on color flow Doppler sonography in 7 of the 8 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Variability of the Doppler waveform when compared with the contralateral testicle and reversal of diastolic blood flow are indirect clues that aid in the diagnosis of partial testicular torsion.