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10.8 US of Male Genitals

377
10.7.3.3 Cystic Perivesical Structures
DDx: ventral meningocele, cysts from internal genitalia (e.g., (para-) ovarian cyst, hydrosalpinx, paravaginal cysts and vaginal atresia, cystic seminal vesicles), mesen­teric cyst, cystic venolymphatic vascular malformation, focal ascites collection, abscess, seroma, dublication cysts, etc.

10.7.4 Role of US

Ideal for assessing bladder pathology and depicting all paravesical formations:
• Often origin may be depicted – use full bladder and meticulous scanning technique with additional perineal access, fi lling of bladder/rectum, graded compression, etc.
• Differentiate solid from cystic structures.
NOTE : In suspected malignancy, additional cross-sectional imaging for initial pre­operative assessment, anatomic information, and staging are often necessary.
10.8 US of Male Genitals
US used for external genitalia (scrotum, testis, inguinal canal), seminal vesicles:
• Prostate usually only seen in older children – unless in major pathology (e.g. cystic dysplastic seminal vesicles, ectopic ureteral insertion, prostate calcifi cations after infections, tumour/rhabdomyosarcoma).

10.8.1 US Technique

Scrotum / Testis High-resolution linear transducers with highest feasible frequency. NOTE : Avoid high sound pressure by reducing output gain.
Always assess testis in longitudinal and axial sections, compare both sides, fol-
lowing structure towards inguinal canal. Use of stand-off pad can be cumbersome; plenty US gel advised. TIP : Respect privacy of patients even if they are not adults!
Volume calculation: ellipsoid equation – depth (cm) × length × width × 0.5 = vol-
ume (ml).
Dynamic investigation of mobility of the testis, reducibility in case of inguinal
position can be assessed; the same for herniated material (reducibility of herniated bowel/mesentery?). Prostate / Seminal Vesicle Commonly curved linear array; (phased) linear transducer preferred if size/bladder fi lling allows. Apply age-adapted frequencies. Access area through fi lled bladder or by perineal access. ( a)CDS CDS essential for assessing infl ammatory conditions and torsion. Spectral analysis comparing both sides mandatory. Vascular supply assessed by following main ves­sels into inguinal area/canal.
378
10 Ultrasound of the Urogenital Tract
ab
Fig. 10.45 Hydrocele. ( a ) Axial section – both testes/scrotum: right-sided hydrocele; the minimal
fl uid on left side is physiologic in neonates. ( b ) Longitudinal section: fl uid confi ned to scrotum, no funiculocele. Note small cyst of epididymis
NOTE : Always assess both testes; vessels have to be documented in scrotal wall, testicular capsule and within parenchyma as well as in epididymis. Penile US Rarely necessary in childhood unless for ureteral problems (see chapter urinary tract/bladder).
However, haematoma/injury, cysts/diverticula, duplications, postoperative prob-
lems can be assessed/visualised. NOTE : Urethra always best assessable during voiding. Penile US should be com- plemented by perineal/urinary tract US.

10.8.2 Normal Findings

Testis: ellipsoid with homogeneous echogenicity, with spleen-like appearance, some increased echogenicity at hilus. Above testis: cape-like or nodular epididymis, testicular appendices better visible with some hydrocele. Some minor fl uid around testis is physiologic.
Size in neonates ~2 ml, during childhood increasing with growth, mostly during
early puberty when testicular size reaches ~15 ml. Volume claculated by elipsoid equation as for kidney.
Depiction of intratesticular vessels depends on equipment and patient maturity.
In neonates intratesticular vessels more diffi cult to see, whereas during puberty intratesticular vessels must always be visible.

10.8.3 Common Pathologic Findings

10.8.3.1 Hydrocele
Defi ned as some fl uid in scrotum around testis and/or in processus vaginalis, com­mon in neonates – not to be confused with normal minor fl uid formation (Fig. 10.45 ).
Fluid anechoic, some sedimented echoes may exist particularly in/after chronic
conditions.
Giant hydroceles (even if reactive) may impair testicular perfusion – need to be
relieved. NOTE : In older patients secondary to underlying condition (e.g. tumour, torsion, trauma – haematocele, infl ammatory process, varicocele).
10.8 US of Male Genitals
379
ab
Fig. 10.46 Undescended testis. Testis seen in inguinal canal ( a , + +) or intra-abdominal
+....+) lateral to empty, thick-walled urinary bladder
( b ,
1
DDx Fluid in scrotum secondary to inguinal hernia/ascites; sonographic key – continuity of fl uid through inguinal canal into abdominal space.
10.8.3.2 Undescended Testes
Common fi nding in early infancy; may be associated with unstable testicular posi­tion. Physiological delay of testicular descend may spontaneously mature/resolve. US Findings Testes not located in scrotum:
• Carefully assess inguinal canal, region next to abdominal wall, near internal orifi ce of inguinal canal for testicular structures (Fig. 10.46 ). Non-descended testis may be smaller and dysplastic, prone to malignant conversion.
• Intra-abdominal testicular position (often adjacent to bladder or psoas muscle) more diffi cult to depict, particularly as undescended testes may be dysplastic and small, exhibit somewhat altered echogenicity – thus defi nite identifi cation sometimes impossible. May even be found at lower pole of spleen or kidney.
NOTE : This also applies for MRI where typical testicular signal may be lost in small dysplastic testes. Role of US
• To fi nd position of testes.
• Potentially to assess for reducibility/mobility.
• Assess size, parenchymal structure, perfusion for depiction of (hypo-) dysplasia.
NOTE : Always perform a basic assessment of the urinary tract, as there may be associated conditions.
10.8.3.3 Varicocele
Venous impairment, leading to dilatation and tortuosity of veins of pampiniform plexus, most commonly found in peripubertal boys. Commonly on left side:
• May cause hydrocele, eventually infertility. If in untypical age, on right side, recurrence after treatment: always assess
for potential underlying abdominal tumours causing congestion of testicular draining vein (particularly Wilms’ tumour, adenopathy, retroperitoneal tumours such as neuroblastoma/ganglioneuroma or metastases) – perform abdominal survey.
380
10 Ultrasound of the Urogenital Tract
ab
Fig. 10.47 Varicocele. ( a ) “Sack of worms”-like appearance of dilated veins entering into scro-
tum (inguinal cross section). ( b ) Vivid colour signals with venous fl ow profi le on valsalva manoeu- vre (similar section as a )
US Findings “Sack of worms”-like appearance of tubular/circular anechoic structures that may change size during valsalva manoeuvre.
Accompanying hydrocele, potentially asymmetric testicular size (Fig. 10.47 ).
CDS Particularly with valsalva manoeuvre bidirectional/undulating venous fl ow/retro­grade fl ow direction visualised (Fig. 10.47 ). Depending on amount of fl ow/fl ow direction, US can grade varicocele (used for follow-up/indication for surgery):
• Grade I: clinically normal, slight increase of venous plexus structures during valsalva.
• Grade II: palpable dilatation of externally visible enlarged veins that can be sonographically seen even without valsalva; change of fl ow direction during valsalva.
• Grade III: huge dilatation and tortuosity of veins are obvious on clinical inspec­tion (sack of worms), constant inverted fl ow, even without valsalva manoeuvres.
10.8.3.4 Cystic Dysplasia of Rete Testis and Seminal Vesicles
Cystic dysplasia of rete testis : rare condition, associated with urogenital malformation. NOTE : Not tubular ectasia as in adults resulting from obstruction but congenital malformation deriving from failure of fusion of afferent ducts. US Findings Multiple, particularly pseudo-confl uent cysts/cystic dilatation of rete testis/afferent ducts, associated with parenchymal atrophy/dysplasia. Cysts often located at tes­ticular mediastinum, may compress surrounding parenchyma. NOTE : Cysts may contain mucoid material causing atypical US appearance – can be mistaken for tumour, abscess, microlithiasis (if with speckled echogenicity), can cause pseudofl ow on CDS (if high output power is applied). Cystic dysplasia of seminal vesicles : Rare condition, associated with other urogenital malformations (e.g. ipsilateral MCDK, renal agenesis).
10.8 US of Male Genitals
381
US Findings Multicystic, often confl uent mass at site of seminal vesicle – usually without echoes, sometimes diffi cult to differentiate from residual remnant of MCDK in ectopic position (if no kidney seen further up and large).
10.8.3.5 Testicular and Paratesticular/Epididymal Cysts/
Spermatocele
Rare, present with painless scrotal enlargement.
Appears on US like all cysts, usually anechoic mass = uncomplicated cyst. Spermatoceles extremely rare in childhood. Cysts may enlarge, compromise testicular parenchymal growth if large. Differentiation against cystic tumour (teratoma) or ectatic vascular malformation
may be diffi cult. Role of US To depict reason for scrotal enlargement.
• Differentiate from rare venolymphatic vascular malformations (have echogenic septations that may also exhibit some fl ow on CDS, can mimic complex haematocele/hydrocele).
• Differentiate against paratesticular cystic masses (e.g. dermoids – often contain some debris/sedimentations, epididymal cysts, spermatoceles (commonly seen only in teenagers), tunical cysts, other causes of enlargement, particularly tumours).
10.8.3.6 Microlithiasis
Yet undefi ned entity with multiple calcifi cations within testis. Consists of debris with calcifi c core in seminiferous tubules. Said to be sometimes precancerous (under discussion), associated with infertility:
• Some centres recommend follow-up/screening. During course calcifi cation may increase or decrease.
• Maybe associated with number of conditions (e.g. cryptorchidism, pseudoxan­thoma elasticum, cystic fi brosis, chromosomal anomalies, but also after insult to testis). Not to be confused with focal calcifi cation after trauma/infection/surgery, in tumours, or paratesticular calcifi cations (e.g., after torsion of testicular appen­dices and meconium peritonitis).
US Finding Multiple stippled small calcifi cations within testis causing blip-like echogenic spots throughout testis (twinkling sign on CDS) (Fig. 10.48 ). Often bilateral.
In future elastography may be helpful for fi nding early tumurous changes (see
Fig. 1.22 ).

10.8.4 Inflammation – Orchitis, Ependymitis

Often clinically evident by increased size, reddish skin, pain, with typical laboratory fi ndings.
US used to differentiate from torsion or detect abscess/necrosis.
382
10 Ultrasound of the Urogenital Tract
ab
Fig. 10.48 Microlithiasis. ( a ) Diffuse microlithiasis. ( b ) Bicolour mode conspicuously enhances
testicular calcifi cations
Fig. 10.49 (Epididymo-)orchitis. Asymmetrically enlarged swollen testis with vivid hypervascu-
larity of testis (and epididymis) on CDS
US / CDS Finding Orchitis : unilateral increase of size of affected scrotum, may be hyperechoic.
• Reactive hydrocele, scrotal wall thickening. Secondary abscess/necrosis possible.
• Hypervascularisation with hyperemic diastolic fl ow on spectral analysis (low RI) (Fig. 10.49 ).
Epididymitis : Epididymis enlarged, more or less echogenic, potentially inhomogeneous.
Exhibits signifi cant hypervascularisation without hyperperfusion of testis itself.
Often associated complex hydrocele:
• May also manifest combined with orchitis (epididymo-orchitis).
NOTE : Rarer in children, always think of associated urological problems/ascend- ing infections from prostatic ducts, particularly in urethral obstruction. Paratesticular infl ammation may arise from descending infection from peritoneal cavity (peritonitis) or septicemic involvement. Similar fi ndings seen after inguinal surgery with haemorrhage/secondary infection:
• Typical paediatric entity: echogenic complex material in scrotum around testis – potentially with calcifi cation after meconium peritonitis in newborn
Complications Particularly in orchitis: abscess, necrosis, segmental infarction – can be depicted on US. NOTE : Differentiation of necrosis versus abscess may be diffi cult, particularly in early phases.
10.8 US of Male Genitals
Fig. 10.50 Scrotal trauma. Testicular trauma with haemorrhage into scrotal sack and injured,
partially destroyed testis – obviously with disrupted tunica and irregular contour

10.8.5 Scrotal Trauma

US used to assess contusion versus haematoma versus rupture.
Contusion : focal inhomogeneous parenchyma seen with swelling of testis, but no parenchymal disruption; continuity of outer border maintained.
Haematoma : (intra- or extratesticular) easily depicted – CDS allows assessment of viable testicular parenchyma (Fig. 10.50 ).
Testicular rupture : defi ned by discontinuity of tunica and intrascrotal haema- toma. Viability of different testicular components assessed by CDS, helping to decide on surgery.
383

10.8.6 Torsion

Clinically typical acute onset of pain, swelling.
Two different types: neonatal extra-/supravaginal torsion; intravaginal torsion common
during puberty – usually no impact on therapy except for delayed diagnosis in neonates (often has happened much earlier, e.g. during birth/fetally – then no emergency surgery!). NOTE : Often adolescent presents delayed because of shyness about seeking care. Thus “missed torsion” with completely necrotic testis not uncommon. US Finding Superiorly positioned, swollen, homogeneously hyperechoic testis, in peracute phase. Some accompanying hydrocele, swelling of scrotal wall (Fig. 10.51 ).
In longer duration/late torsion, echogenicity of testis decreases, may become
more inhomogeneous – eventually anechoic when necrotic; secondary abscess formation possible. More complex appearance of associated hydrocele fl uid. CDS Asymmetric lack of intratesticular vessels.
Twist of vascular pedicle when following it into inguinal canal (“whirl pool”
appearence as in volvulus):
• Partial torsion may exhibit residual but asymmetric perfusion – fi rstly affecting veins (haemorrhagic infarction).
• After (spontaneous) detorsion, transient hyperaemia may be seen.
NOTE : Mandatory to depict intratesticular fl ow and prove symmetry with spectral analysis – torsion can only be excluded when symmetric intraparenchymal fl ow profi le in arterial and venous compartment is depictable. In every suspicion of tor­sion on US, emergent surgical exploration mandatory.
384
ab c
Fig. 10.51 Testicular and hydatid torsion. ( a ) Enlarged testis with hypoechoic (necrotic) paren-
chyma – no perfusion on CDS in older testicular torsion. ( b , c ) Echogenic testicular appendix ( b ) without fl ow on CDS ( c ), consistent with hydatid torsion
10 Ultrasound of the Urogenital Tract
US - guided detorsion / manual relief of torsion : detwisting testis by rotation in
steps of 180°, checking for reappearance of perfusion – does not obviate surgery as partial detorsion may still exist (reactive hyperaemia will always show some asym­metric perfusion – thus residual partial torsion cannot be ruled out).
10.8.6.1 Torsion of Appendages
Quite common. Important DDx for testicular torsion/infl ammation (clinical fi nd­ings may be similar) or inguinal hernia. US Finding Enlarged appendage (hydatid) with lack of perfusion, hyperaemia of adjacent struc­tures, but always symmetric intratesticular perfusion. Often some hydrocele, scrotal swelling, epididymitis-like changes observed (Fig. 10.51 ).
After appendiceal torsion extratesticular calcifi cations often present.
DDx criteria Scrotal oedema, normal testis, hydrocele, increased vascularisation. No inguinal hernia.
10.8.6.2 Inguinal Hernia
If inguinal hernia detected, try to follow through inguinal canal, assess inner ring and describe content (mesentery, fl uid, intestines – potentially with peristalsis, per­fused bowel wall?) Other rare hernia contents: parts of bladder, in girls ovaries/ uterus (see Fig. 9.17 ).
Particularly if incarcerated – confusing images seen; sometimes spermatic cord
vessels compromised thus endangering testis.
May sometimes only be seen with increased intra-abdominal pressure – consider
provocative manoeuvres (imaging while crying/straining, valsalva, image with patient standing).

10.8.7 Testicular Tumours

Rather rare in childhood, most commonly germ cell tumours or teratoma.

10.9 Female Genit als

US Findings Typically appearance of ovoid space occupying lesion. May be cystic, particularly in teratoma/epidermoids, or completely solid. May have more complex cystic appearance with septae:
• Often mild associated hydrocele. Defi nition of underlying entity rarely achievable.
• Always assess pelvic/retroperitoneal lymph nodes, and perform abdominal survey.
• Secondary involvement in systemic diseases (e.g. leukaemia/lymphoma, neuro­blastoma) where testis can even serve as host region for recurrence, involvement may be uni- or bilateral.
DDx Intratesticular cysts, dermoids, septated hydroceles, epithelial cysts, cystic dyspla­sia of rete testis, intratesticular ectopic adrenal tissue, infection/abscesses/necrosis, posttraumatic alteration. NOTE : Rhabdomyosarcoma in male pelvis mostly from pelvic fl oor muscles, pros- tate, seminal vesicles, or bladder, rarer in scrotum.
No other sonographically important aspects of prostate need to be addressed in
childhood; only sometimes after infection prostate calcifi cation may be seen, as well as an atypical appearance of enlarged seminal vesicles in cystic dysplasia and then often combined with other urogenital malformations.
385

10.8.8 Role of US and Additional Imaging

US – ideal initial imaging tool with high reliability, when performed skillfully. Supplementing Investigations
• Scintigraphy and MRI have been performed for torsion – but potential time delay usually demands early surgery in unclear cases.
• In tumours: staging by CT/MR.
• Assessment of ectopic testis/cryptorchidism: may benefi t from MRI, although small dysplastic testis in abdominal cavity may be diffi cult to depict – many centres perform laparoscopy if testis not found in pelvis/inguinal region directly.
• Assessment of complex genital (cloacal)/intersex states: may benefi t from MRI/ ce-CT and fl uoroscopy/genitography.
• Angiography of spermatic vein only performed in complex/recurrent varicocele for therapeutic reasons (embolisation in same session).
10.9 Female Genitals

10.9.1 Indications

Suspected genital malformation/disease by clinical fi ndings on inspection, ambigu­ous gender, associated urogenital malformation, hormonal abnormality (e.g. preco­cious puberty, adrenogenital syndrome).
386
10 Ultrasound of the Urogenital Tract

10.9.2 Requisites

Suffi ciently fi lled bladder mandatory for detailed assessment. Perineal approach very helpful – looking at vagina/pelvic fl oor/rectum (cloacal malformation):
• In unclear fi ndings/obvious pathology, fi lling of bladder and vagina with saline helpful (“ Sonogenitography ”) (see Figs. 2.4 and 2.5 ).
• For depiction of fi stulae, optional/additional US-CM instillation.

10.9.3 Transducers

Particularly in neonates, high-resolution linear/micro-curved arrays applied. Otherwise use curved linear areas with highest applicable frequency. Transvaginal investigations usually only performed after puberty:
• Some centres perform transrectal investigations.

10.9.4 How to Perform Investigation

Consecutive longitudinal and axial sections through region of genital organs behind bladder by rotating transducer into respective organ axis of fallopian tube, ovaries, uterus. Take size measurements, document fi ndings:
• Always include entire US of all other pelvic structures/urinary tract, include adrenal glands.
Measurements particularly important in suspected hypodysplasia or early onset of puberty:
• Compare results to tables with normal values.
Always try to assess detailed structure of ovary (size? follicles present?) and uterus (size, shape, horns, wall structure/endometrium?):
• In older girls additional assessment of breast valuable for complete workup in hormonal imbalance.

10.9.5 Normal Findings

Uterus changes during growth/development (Fig. 10.52 ):
• In neonate (stimulated by maternal hormones): rather large, with long cervix, endometrium nicely differentiated.
• In infancy/early childhood: small, diffi cult to assess.
• With onset of peri-/prepuberty/hormonal activity: uterus grows again. Eventually becomes shape of typical adult uterus – pear shaped = relatively short cervix, large body, exhibits well-differential wall/endometrium (varies throughout cycle).
Uterus: muscle rather hypoechoic, with clear contour. Thickness of endometrium depends on hormonal situation. Often positioned not strictly sagittal/in midline – some deviation physiological: