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Review of paratesticular pathology: findings on ultrasound and MRI

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Abstract

The paratesticular scrotal contents consist of the spermatic cord, epididymis, and fascia, which originate from the embryologic descent of the testis through the abdominal wall. Historically, the primary diagnostic modality has been high-resolution ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an alternative imaging option. Both contrast MRI and diffusion weighted imaging can assist in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Unlike the testis which most disease processes are malignant, a wide spectrum of benign disease processes affects the paratesticular region either in isolation or as part of a contiguous disease process from adjacent organs. The familiarity with the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and imaging features can aid the radiologic diagnoses and guide appropriate clinical management. In this article, we review the ultrasound and MR characteristics of various paratesticular pathologies.

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The study was not funded by a Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Imaging Science, University Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave PO Box 648, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Refky Nicola

  2. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic-Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85054, USA

    Christine O. Menias, Nirvikar Dahiya & Amy K. Hara

  3. Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 S Kingshighway BlvD, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Kathryn Robinson & Cary Lynn Siegel

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  1. Refky Nicola
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  2. Christine O. Menias
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Correspondence to Refky Nicola.

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Nicola, R., Menias, C.O., Dahiya, N. et al. Review of paratesticular pathology: findings on ultrasound and MRI. Abdom Radiol 42, 585–601 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-016-0870-0

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