Learning objectives
To describe and illustrate the scrotal anatomy and the ultrasound findings of the main scrotal pathologies that every radiologist must know in order to perform a correct diagnosis.
Background
ANATOMY
The scrotum is a sack of skin containing the testicles,
epididymis and part of the spermatic cords,
and it is divided in two parts by the perineal raphe.
The covering of the scrotum consists of at least six layers (from lower to greater depth): the skin,
dartos muscle,
external spermatic fascia,
cremaster layer,
internal spermatic fascia and tunica vaginalis.
The contents of the scrotum are (Fig.
1):
The testicles are two oval and symmetrical glands,
surrounded by the tunica albuginea.
They are composed of...
Findings and procedure details
A series of patients with scrotal pathology subjected to an ultrasound in our hospital during the last 3 years (2016-2018) have been retrospectively reviewed.
The most relevant ultrasound findings will be shown.
Conclusion
Ultrasound is the main imaging method used to evaluate the scrotum.
Mastering the scrotal anatomy and knowing the specific ultrasound findings allows us to reach a correct diagnosis.
References
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Ultrasound of the Testis for the Andrologist: Morphological and Functional Atlas.
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