Acute Scrotum: A 10-Year Review of Colour Doppler Ultrasound Findings of in Jos, North-Central Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59573/emsj.8(5).2024.9Keywords:
Doppler ultrasound, Acute scrotum, Testicular torsion, Epididymo-orchitis, HydroceleAbstract
Background: Acute scrotum is a urological emergency requiring immediate attention. Colour Doppler Ultrasound (CDS) is the preferred first-line imaging modality, enabling rapid differentiation between surgical and non-surgical conditions and guiding prompt treatment to prevent irreversible damage
Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of Doppler ultrasound examinations performed on patients presenting with acute scrotal pain at a peripheral facility between January 2014 and December 2023. The study included 506 patients with complete medical records who fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria.
We collected and analysed demographic and imaging data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means ± SD) were calculated. Results are presented in tabular format. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval.
Results: The Doppler ultrasound examination yielded normal results in 125 patients (24.7%), whereas 381 patients (75.3%) exhibited abnormal findings. The abnormal findings were hydrocele (20.8%), Epididymo-orchitis (20.6%) and testicular torsion 36(7.1%) patients. The age group 21-40 years had the majority of the abnormal findings (38.3%). Scrotal abnormalities constitute 41.2% and 33.3% for right and left respectively and bilateral in 25.5% of cases. Epididymo-orchitis was bilateral in 7.7% of patients and constitutes 58.7% and 33.7% for right and left respectively. Testicular torsion is seen in equal proportions for right and left testicles while Fournier's gangrene and testicular microlithiasis were seen bilaterally.
Conclusion: Scrotal colour Doppler ultrasound is a crucial diagnostic modality for evaluating acute scrotum, enabling accurate detection and differentiation of various scrotal abnormalities. These findings underscore the importance of routine ultrasound examinations in men presenting with acute scrotum.
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