Learning objectives
To highlight the role of the spermatic cord in the diagnosis of certain scrotal diseases and provide fair examples of different spermatic cord pathologies.
Background
The spermatic cord (SC) is an anatomical structure that is sometimes underexploited during scrotal ultrasound.
The histological diversity of its anatomical contents leads to a great variety of pathologies that can be differentiated by means of color Doppler and B mode ultrasound.
It is not uncommon that clinical symptoms may be related to an isolated pathology of the SC,
although in many cases,
involvement of the SC is part of a more extensive disease affecting a large part of the scrotum.
Findings and procedure details
ANATOMICAL REMARKS OF THE SPERMATIC CORD AND SCROTAL TUNICS
The SC is a cord like structure within the male anatomy that runs from the abdomen to the testes through the inguinal canal.
It is formed at the opening of the inguinal canal,
known as the deep inguinal ring,
located laterally to the inferior epigastric vessels,
passes through the inguinal canal,
and continues forward and downward.
It exits through the superficial inguinal ring,
finishing inside the scrotum,
at the posterior border of the testicle.
SC content...
Conclusion
The spermatic cord is an anatomical structure sometimes underexplored during scrotal ultrasound whose study gives us key information for the diagnosis and management of male patients in multiple clinical situations related to the scrotum.
It is therefore very important for the radiologist to identify whether it is solely a funicular disease,
involves part of the scrotum,
or it is the reflection of an extratesticular pathology.
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