Color Doppler sonogrphy in differentiation between testicular torsion and epididymoorchitis: report of three cases.

Clinical assessment of the testicular torsion and epididymoorchitis is inherently difficult. Inadequate clinical information may prevent differentiation testicular torsion from non-surgical condition. We reported 3 cases with symptoms of acute scrotal condition who had received color Doppler sonography. One man had epididymoorchitis and color Doppler sonography showed profusely increased blood flow in the region of epididymis and testis. Symptoms subsided with one week of medical treatment. Sonography correctly detected absence of testicular perfusion in 2 boys who had sugical exploration of the scrotum. Testicular torsions were confirmed by surgical findings. Absence or markedly decreased testicular blood flow which indicated testicular ischemia or infarction was easily identified. Conversely, hyperemia of the testis and/or epididymis is usually associated with inflammation However, incomplete torsion or detorsion may demonstrate normal testicular flow on color Doppler sonography. Color Doppler sonography provides early diagnosis of acute testicular torsion, and prevents unnecessary scrotal exploration.