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Review
. 2016 Mar-Apr;18(2):182-5.
doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.169991.

Diagnosis of clinical and subclinical varicocele: how has it evolved?

Ruth E Belay, Gene Omar Huang, Jim Ken-Chie Shen, Edmund Yuey Kun Ko  1
Affiliations
Review

Diagnosis of clinical and subclinical varicocele: how has it evolved?

Ruth E Belay et al. Asian J Androl. 2016 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

In this review, we examine the evolution and application of various diagnostic modalities for varicoceles starting with venography, scintigraphy, and thermography and their role in the evaluation of a varicocele patient. Some of these methods have been supplanted by less invasive and more easily performed diagnostic modalities, especially ultrasound and Doppler examination of the scrotum. Advances in ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging hold the potential to expand the role of imaging beyond that of visual confirmation and characterization of varicoceles. The ability to identify the early indicators of testicular dysfunction based on imaging findings may have implications for the management of varicoceles in the future.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Venography and embolization of a left-sided grade 3 varicocele.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Typical ultrasound appearance of a left-sided grade 3 varicocele.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Typical ultrasound appearance of a right-sided grade 3 varicocele.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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