Shortcomings of color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of testicular torsion.

PURPOSE

We determined the shortcomings of color Doppler sonography for the diagnosis of testicular torsion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 5 cases of testicular torsion in which findings on color Doppler sonography were inconsistent with surgical findings.

RESULTS

Color Doppler sonography showed blood flow in 2 patients who had necrotic testes at surgery. In 3 other patients blood flow was also normal by color Doppler sonography of whom 2 were treated for epididymitis with subsequent loss of the testes and 1 underwent salvage by immediate exploration.

CONCLUSIONS

Testicular torsion is a clinical diagnosis requiring consideration of many variables. Color Doppler sonography is helpful but should not be regarded as the definitive discriminator.