Reference Values for Testicular Volume, Epididymal Head Size and Peak Systolic Velocity of the Testicular Artery in Adult Males Measured by Ultrasonography

Abstract

Purpose: To obtain ultrasonography-based reference values for testicular volume, epididymal head size and peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the testicular artery in adult males of all ages.

Materials and Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, 306 Caucasian adult males (median age: 51 years; range: 18 – 88 years) without scrotal pathology underwent prospective scrotal ultrasonography. The testicular volume was calculated from the length (L), width (W), and height (H) using three formulas: a) 0.52 × L × W × H, b) 0.52 × L × W², and c) 0.71 × L × W × H. Thickness and height of the epididymal head and PSV of the testicular artery were measured.

Results: The median testicular volumes on the right (left) side were 13.9 (12.7) ml, 18.1 (16.5) ml, and 18.9 (17.3) ml for formula a), b), and c) respectively, and thus significantly different (p < 0.01 for all). The left testes were significantly smaller than the right testes (p < 0.01). The thickness and height of the right (left) epididymal head measured 7.5 (7.7) mm and 11.6 (11.3) mm, respectively. Median PSV of the right (left) testicular artery was 8.7 (8.6) cm/sec. No significant side-specific differences were documented with respect to epididymal size and PSV.

Conclusion: It was possible to obtain virtually age-independent reference values for testicular volume, epididymal head size and PSV of the testicular artery in adults. With regard to testicular volumetry, it is essential to consider which formula has been used, since the calculated volumes differ significantly from formula to formula.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel: Die vorliegende Ultraschallstudie wurde mit dem Ziel durchgeführt, Referenzwerte für Hodenvolumen, Größe des Nebenhodenkopfs und systolische Flussgeschwindigkeit (PSV) der A. testicularis bei Erwachsenen zu ermitteln.

Material und Methoden: Zwischen 2009 und 2011 wurden 306 erwachsene Europäer (medianes Alter 51 Jahre, Altersspanne 18 – 88 Jahre) ohne pathologischen Skrotalbefund prospektiv skrotalsonografisch untersucht. Das Hodenvolumen wurde rechnerisch aus Länge (L), Breite (W) und Höhe (H) über 3 verschiedene Formeln ermittelt: a) 0,52 × L × W × H, b) 0,52 × L × W², und c) 0,71 × L × W × H. Ferner wurden die Dicke und Höhe des Nebenhodenkopfs sowie die PSV der A. testicularis gemessen.

Ergebnisse: Die medianen Hodenvolumina nach den Formeln a), b) und c) betrugen auf der rechten (linken) Seite 13,9 (12,7) ml, 18,1 (16,5) ml und 18,9 (17,3) ml. Die mit den verschiedenen Formeln berechneten Werte waren signifikant unterschiedlich (stets p < 0,01). Die linken Hoden zeigten mit allen Formeln ein signifikant niedrigeres Hodenvolumen als die rechten Hoden (p < 0,01). Die mediane Dicke des Nebenhodenkopfs betrug rechts (links) 7,5 (7,7) mm, die Höhe des Nebenhodenkopf rechts (links) 11,6 (11,3) mm. Die mediane PSV betrug rechts (links) 8,7 (8,6) cm/s. Es bestanden keine signifikanten seitenspezifischen Unterschiede bei den Messungen an Nebenhodenkopf und PSV.

Schlussfolgerung: In der Studie wurden Referenzwerte für das Hodenvolumen, die Größe des Nebenhodenkopfes und die Flussgeschwindigkeit der A. testicularis bei erwachsenen Männern erhoben, die praktisch altersunabhängig gültig sind. Eine adäquate Beurteilung publizierter Hodenvolumina ist nur unter Berücksichtigung der zugrunde liegenden Berechnungsformel möglich.

Key words

scrotum - testes - ultrasound - ultrasound-color doppler

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