MRI of the scrotum

Surface coil magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the scrotum allows differentiation of the testis, epididymis, and spermatic cord. Intratesticular and extratesticular lesions are demarcated by the tunica albuginea. The sensitivity of MR is very high for detection of scrotal abnormalities but is non-specific since it is unable to distinguish primary testicular tumors from benign lesions. Undescended testes which lie proximal and distal to the internal inguinal ring are well visualized by MR imaging. The advantages of MR imaging in locating undescended testes is that it is noninvasive, without ionizing radiation, and capable of multiplanar images.