Doppler color imaging. Scrotum, breast, thyroid, and extremities

DCI, when coupled with small-parts gray-scale imaging, has demonstrated great utility in the evaluation of superficial body abnormalities. This technique has rapidly become a primary method of evaluation of suspected testicular torsion, and its results are competitive with those of standard nuclear medicine examinations. DCI evaluation of male impotence, coupled with intracavernous injection of vasoactive substances, is now a leading, noninvasive technique for diagnosis of both arteriogenic and venogenic causes. DCI may provide invaluable information in the evaluation of palpable masses, particularly in the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities such as false aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula. Further studies are needed to corroborate the utility of DCI in the evaluation of focal thyroid and parathyroid abnormalities, breast carcinoma, nodal cancer, and the orbit. Because this technique is applicable to superficial, high-frequency examinations, DCI is rapidly becoming an accepted and frequently necessary part of any small-parts ultrasound study.