Role of Ultrasound in Testicular Emergencies: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Testicular emergencies represent a critical spectrum of urological conditions where timely diagnosis is essential for preserving testicular function, fertility, and patient quality of life. Ultrasound, particularly with high-frequency transducers and Doppler evaluation, has emerged as the primary imaging modality for the initial and definitive evaluation of acute scrotal pathology. This review discusses the role of ultrasound in major testicular emergencies, including torsion, epididymitis, trauma, rupture, infarction, gangrene, hematoma, and mimics of neoplastic processes. The strengths, limitations, and evolving adjuncts of ultrasound such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and elastography are also highlighted. By synthesizing evidence from recent literature, this article underscores ultrasound as the cornerstone in guiding clinical decision-making, expediting surgical referral, and reducing unnecessary interventions.

Keywords: Ultrasound, testicular emergencies, torsion, epididymitis, rupture, gangrene, Doppler.