[Scrotal changes in the 3.5 MHz ultrasound image]

Sonography enables sensitive detection of pathological changes in the scrotum, since the planes of intersection can be selected as may be required, and since local resolution is excellent. However, sonographic criteria alone do not permit differential diagnosis of malignomas against benign changes. Anamnesis and clinical examination are of equal importance as sonography. Diagnostic conclusions are possible only if all the findings based on all the diagnostic approaches are combined in synopsis. Although reports published in recent years postulated transducer either of a frequency higher than 3.5 mHz (1, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27) or low-frequency transducers associated with immersion technique (7, 23), in our patients the use of a 3.5 mHz convex scanner with water forerun resulted always in confirming the diagnosis (in conjunction with anamnesis and clinical findings). In our experience a transducer of this frequency (3.5 mHz) with water forerun appears to be suitable for routine diagnosis of changes in the scrotum. This is an important aspect in general practice, where ultrasound equipment is often fitted with 3.5 mHz transducers.