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[Scrotal ultrasound examinations in infants and toddlers]
C Neissner1, V Eisenschmidt2, W H Rösch2
1Klinik für Kinderurologie in Kooperation mit der Universität Regensburg, Klinik St. Hedwig Regensburg, Steinmetzstraße 1-3, 93049, Regensburg, Deutschland. claudia.neissner@barmherzige-regensburg.de.
Background:
Besides physical examination, ultrasonography is the most valuable diagnostic tool to assess the scrotum and testes in the case of an acute scrotum or scrotal pathology.
Problems:
In infants and toddlers the examination can be challenging. Due to the limited patient compliance, the small testicular size (< 0.5 ml), and low blood flow velocity (< 3 cm/s), it can be difficult to achieve a proper flow curve when assessing blood flow.
Conclusion:
The examiner's skills are as important as adequate equipment (i. e., linear ultrasound probe, 12-14 MHz) and optimal program settings (Doppler scale < 3 cm/s, gate 1 mm). However, if there is doubt, surgical exploration is unavoidable.