Metachronous bilateral segmental testicular infarction: Multi-parametric ultrasound imaging with grey-scale ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and real-time tissue elastography (RTE)

Abstract

Segmental testicular infarction is a rare cause of acute scrotal pain. The appearances on grey-scale sonography are often indistinguishable from that of a testicular tumour, resulting in unnecessary orchiectomy. We report a case of acute bilateral testicular infarction, of unknown etiology, which was conservatively managed to resolution following a confident diagnosis achieved with the aid of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and real-time tissue elastography (RTE) along with conventional grey-scale and Doppler sonography. The evolving appearances on each of the sonographic modalities are described. We discuss the importance of complementing conventional sonography with CEUS and RTE in order to make a confident diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. © 2014 Società Italiana di Ultrasonologia in Medicina e Biologia (SIUMB).