B-mode ultrasonic examination of the testes

This study was carried out to determine the potential value of B‐mode ultrasonography in the identification and diagnosis of intratesticular disorders, information heretofore obtainable only through biopsy. Fifty‐nine cases have been examined to date. Fifty‐three were referred from an infertility clinic and include oligospermic and azoospermic subjects as well as individuals with normal semen analyses. There have been two hydroceles, two neoplasms, one abscess and one Klinefelter's syndrome. Our initial results indicate no difference between individuals with normal or subnormal semen quality with respect to the presence and pattern of internal testicular echoes. A characteristic echo pattern is obtained from the region of the rete testis but otherwise the testis remains echo‐free. The hydrocele, testicular abscess, and tumor had appearances distinctly different from the usual pattern. The technique affords an accurate measurement of testicular thickness and may have the potential for revealing early testicular neoplasms.