Imaging and Other Diagnostic Modalities in Varicocele Diagnosis

Abstract

The diagnosis of varicocele is generally based on medical history and clinical examination. Imaging modalities have been used as an adjunct to confirm or clarify the diagnosis in situations where history and clinical examination are indeterminate. Treatment of clinically nonpalpable varicoceles, that is, those only diagnosed on imaging, has shown no benefit in improving fertility rates and is not recommended in guidelines. This has led to a limited role for imaging in the investigation of subclinical varicoceles. Technological advances in available imaging studies may potentially expand the role of imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of varicoceles. This chapter provides a review of the available imaging modalities for varicoceles.