Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and comparison with color Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance in a case of scrotal trauma

Abstract

Intratesticular hematoma is one of the most frequent presentations of scrotal trauma. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality in the evaluation of scrotal trauma, and its findings are crucial for the choice of treatment. An intratesticular hematoma may represent a diagnostic pitfall for the investigating physician since its appearance may mimic other conditions, such as testicular neoplasms or segmental infarction. Although the gold standard imaging modality for the characterization of a testicular lesion is contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR), MR equipment is not always available in an emergency department. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) may represent a valid and cheaper alternative compared with MR, which may aid the physician in the differential diagnosis. We describe the case of a 19-year-old male with a scrotal trauma following a motorcycle crash. In accordance with the literature, we carried out a contrast-medium whole-body computed tomography for the evaluation of any potential traumatic injury. Because of scrotal swelling and the patient complaining about pain in the right testicle, we performed a scrotal ultrasound, which demonstrated an enlarged right testicle, with an inhomogeneous echostructure due to the presence of a hypoechoic area in the middle and upper portion of the testicle. Color Doppler ultrasound did not show signals of intralesional vascularization. The lesion, although having characteristics compatible with hematoma, must not be diagnosed as testicular neoplasia, segmental infarction, or other mimics. For more information, a CEUS examination was performed. The examination clearly showed the extent of the lesion, the integrity of the testicular capsule, and the absence of internal vascularization; all these findings were regarded as indicators of a testicular hematoma. After the urological examination, the patient was prescribed antibiotic therapy and bed rest. For further confirmation of the CEUS examination, an MR was performed 2 days later, showing a perfect correspondence with the CEUS findings. Our case demonstrates that CEUS is a faster, cheaper, and valid alternative to MR in an emergency setting, as in testicular trauma, in which the hematoma may mimic conditions (neoplasm) that require a different treatment.