Ultrasound and computed tomography of the abdomen in the staging and management of testicular carcinoma.

Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) are ideal for imaging enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The authors evaluated 290 ultrasound and 188 CT examinations in 136 patients with testicular cancer. Although interpretation of CT was more reproducible than that of ultrasound, there was no significant difference in accuracy of enlarged retroperitoneal lymph node detection between the two modalities. Accuracy improved when both examinations were used and interpreted in combination by a single radiologist. Accuracy rates for ultrasound and CT were equal to those reported for lymphangiography. Lymphangiography and excretory urography are no longer routinely indicated in testicular cancer patients.