Shortcomings of color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of testicular torsion

Abstract

Purpose: We determined the shortcomings of color Doppler sonography for the diagnosis of testicular torsion.

Materials and methods: We reviewed 5 cases of testicular torsion in which findings on color Doppler sonography were inconsistent with surgical findings.

Results: Color Doppler sonography showed blood flow in 2 patients who had necrotic testes at surgery. In 3 other patients blood flow was also normal by color Doppler sonography of whom 2 were treated for epididymitis with subsequent loss of the testes and 1 underwent salvage by immediate exploration.

Conclusions: Testicular torsion is a clinical diagnosis requiring consideration of many variables. Color Doppler sonography is helpful but should not be regarded as the definitive discriminator.