Cryptorchidism: diagnostic performance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in comparison with Ultrasound

Abstract

Background:  Undescended testis is   a well recognized clinical problem in infants and young male,   as well as  being a frequent finding  in adult individuals .

Aim  of work      : To compare the results  of MRI and     ultrasound   in the  localization  of undescended    testis  , in order  to choose  the line of treatment.

Method : The study was conducted in two general hospitals in Baghdad between Oct. 2012 --- April 2013. Forty male patients with undescended testis ( 6 months ---20 years ) underwent abdominal and pelvic MRI as well as inguinal and pelvic U/ S to identify testicular location , findings were reviewed by three observers independently and compared with surgical and / or clinical follow up study.

Results     :  Ultrasound    succeeded    in  localizing      21  cases   of       undescended    testis      with sensitivity  83.3 %  specificity  100%  and accuracy 90 % .   On the other hand MRI was able to demonstrate   24 cases  with  sensitivity    96%,   specificity   100%  and  accuracy   97.5 % . Conclusion:  Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a useful imaging tool in the   localization  and

tissue    characterization      of  a  undescended     testis, especially   with  the  use  of   i.v  contrast injection which is helpful in suspected cases of testicular atrophy and cases of abdominal and pelvic testis, however, ultrasound must be the first line of imaging investigation as it is readily available and fast, but highly operator dependent .