[Does B-mode ultrasound still have a role in the diagnosis of spermatic cord torsion? Findings in a pediatric series].

INTRODUCTION

Acute scrotum in the pediatric age is mainly related to surgical causes. Spermatic cord torsion and inguinoscrotal hernia must be ruled out first, because of the possible ischemic damage to gonadal tissue and therefore surgery is sometimes performed directly, thus representing also a diagnostic tool. Spermatic cord torsion is found in two age ranges, namely: the neonatal period, where it usually represents the evolution of an intrauterine process, and the peripubertal period, which is more frequent. An unquestionable and prompt diagnosis is particularly needed because of the extreme sensitivity of gonadal tissue to ischemia. In this particular field, color and power Doppler US, depicting gonadal flow, have greatly increased diagnostic imaging capabilities, which were previously limited to B-mode US.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 19 peripubertal patients with the diagnosis of spermatic cord torsion made on the basis of B-mode US and then confirmed with color Doppler.

RESULTS

We found two signs which can be considered highly suggestive of spermatic cord torsion: the spiral twist of spermatic vessels and the peculiar extent of reactive hydrocele, caused by the bell clapper anomaly of the vaginal sac.

CONCLUSIONS

The above US patterns are very helpful to diagnose spermatic cord torsion.