Multiparametric ultrasonographic analysis of testicular tumors: a single-center experience in a collective of 49 patients

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present retrospective single-center study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of multiparametric ultrasonography for characterizing testicular tumors.

Method: Forty-nine patients with testicular tumors, 36 of malignant vs 13 of benign entity, were included in this retrospective single-center study on whom multiparametric sonography, encompassing native B-mode, Color Doppler, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and elastography, was performed between 2011–2018. In 48 of 49 patients, findings from multiparametric analysis were correlated with histopathological results. The applied contrast agent for CEUS was a second-generation blood pool agent. Ultrasonography examinations were performed and interpreted by a single experienced radiologist with more than 15 years of experience (EFSUMB Level 3).

Results: Multiparametric ultrasonography was successfully performed in all included patients without any adverse effects. Concomitant testicular microlithiasis, rapid arterial wash-in, elevated values for perfusion quantification – Peak Enhancement (PE), Wash-in Area Under the Curve (WiAUC) and Wash-in Perfusion Index (WiPI) – and higher shear wave velocities were significantly associated with malignancy.

Conclusions: Multiparametric ultrasonography depicts a non-ionizing, directly accessible and cost-effective imaging modality that allows for the extensive characterization of testicular tumors, thereby helping to discriminate between malignant and benign entity of testicular tumors.

Keywords:

• Testicular tumor
• seminoma
• contrast-enhanced ultrasound
• elastography
• multiparametric ultrasound

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.