Sonographic findings of groin masses

OBJECTIVE

The groin contents consist of the spermatic cord and its fascial coverings and vascular, nervous, and muscular structures. Abnormalities in the groin region are variable. The purpose of this image presentation is to describe the sonographic findings of the various kinds of groin lesions.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the sonographic findings of various kinds of groin lesions. All sonographic examinations were performed with high-frequency (5- to 15-MHz) linear array transducers.

RESULTS

The most common abnormality in the groin was a hernia, which contains bowel loops, omental fat, and peritoneal fluid. The most common benign tumor of the inguinal region was a lipoma. Other benign tumors of the groin included leiomyomas, dermoid cysts, epidermoid cysts, and lymphangiomas. The most common primary malignant tumors in the inguinal region were sarcomas such as rhabdomyosarcoma and liposarcoma. Secondary malignant tumors of the inguinal regions were metastatic lymphomas and metastatic carcinomas of the lung, breast, ovary, and gastrointestinal tract. Hematomas and inflammation may occur in the inguinal region.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was substantial overlap of sonographic findings in the various inguinal masses, clinical history and certain sonographic details can assist in making the correct diagnosis.

Ultrasound diagnosis: intra-abdominal torsion of a non-neoplastic testicle in a cryptorchid dog

A 6-month-old male bilaterally cryptorchid Boxer was examined for acute abdominal pain. The results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and ultrasonographic examination are presented. Intra-abdominal testicular torsion was suspected and confirmed at surgery. No evidence of neoplasia was found at histopathologic examination of the twisted testicle. A discussion of testicular torsion is presented.

Ultrasound in the evaluation of retractile and truly undescended testes

The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrasound and clinical examination in the assessment of the exact position of an undescended testicle, and to see whether ultrasound could help discern retractile and truly undescended testicles. One hundred and twenty-three undescended testicles were examined. Of 113 detectable testicles 47 were assessed retractile and 66 truly undescended of which 60 were operated. Ultrasound had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 100% for testicles positioned distally to the internal ring. The results of clinical examination by a urologist was poor, especially for testicles located in the inguinal canal. Bilateral symptoms were most common in the retractile group. Retractile testicles dominated at the age group 6-8 years and were most commonly found in the intermediate and external ring positions. Truly undescended testicles preferred the inguinal canal and a subcutaneous everted position. Differences are statistically significant. A discrimination analysis between retractility and true maldescent was performed based on whether symptoms were uni- or bilateral, patient's age and the position of the testicle. The most dominant factor was whether symptoms were uni- or bilateral.