Ultrasound in the assessment of the acute scrotum

Color Doppler imaging (CDI) has become the study of choice in evaluation of the scrotum due to technological advances resulting in superior resolution and sensitive Doppler systems. CDI has become particularly helpful in evaluating the scrotum in the setting of acute disorders, such as torsion of the spermatic cord, epididymal and testicular inflammation, and scrotal trauma. CDI should be the study of choice to evaluate for torsion of the spermatic cord and demonstrates a high degree of accuracy. CDI in such a setting, however, does require operator experience, sensitive Doppler ultrasound equipment, and operator knowledge of the limitations of CDI. With epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis, CDI has proven to be quite helpful in evaluating the scrotal contents for the presence of inflammation and associated complications. In scrotal trauma, CDI's utility remains somewhat controversial, but with further investigation its appropriate application in this situation may become clear.