Instrumentation, Technical Requirements: MRI

Abstract

This section of the chapter provides practical guide for MR examination of the scrotum and comprehensive description of clinical applications. The techniques used for scrotal MR imaging can be implemented with virtually any MR unit. Several technical points are described in obtaining high-resolution scrotal MR imaging: patient preparation, coil selection, respiratory compensation, imaging planes, pulse sequence design, fat suppression, multiple contrast, injection of contrast material, and the scanning order of pulse sequences. Image analysis is also described in the evaluation of testicular volume and perfusion. The scrotal MR imaging can be clinically applied for acute scrotal symptoms, intrascrotal masses, scrotal trauma, nonpalpable testis, infertility, etc. The recommended protocol of pulse sequences should include T1-weighted, FS-T2-weighted, and heavily T2-weighted imaging in the coronal plane. Some changes to the basic protocol should be made depending on the clinical settings. The dynamic subtraction contrast-enhanced MR imaging can be used to provide information about testicular perfusion with the use of dynamic subtraction contrast-enhanced technique.