Diagnosis of acute testicular torsion using radionuclide scanning

Abstract

We analyzed retrospectively 99mtechnetium scrotal scan findings in 37 patients with acute scrotal pain. Correlation between scan interpretation, and either surgical findings and/or final clinical diagnosis revealed an accuracy of 89 per cent. Only 1 false negative and 3 false positive results were recorded. Scan data revealed a positive predictive value of 75 per cent, negative predictive value of 96 per cent, sensitivity of 90 per cent and specificity of 89 per cent. An inter-institutional observer study also was conducted to assess reliability of the scan, resulting in an 88 per cent agreement. The testicular scan has been found to be an accurate and reliable method to distinguish between epididymo-orchitis and testicular torsion.