Comparison of scrotal thermography and scrotogram in the diagnosis of varicoceles.
- Author:
Young Chan KIM
1
;
Hyung Ki CHOI
;
Jong Hyun KIM
;
Moo Sang LEE
;
Kwang Yol CHA
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, Yonsei University Medical College and Cha Women's Hospital Infertility Center, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
varicocele;
thermography;
scrotogram
- MeSH:
Diagnosis*;
Humans;
Infertility;
Infertility, Male;
Ligation;
Male;
Phlebography;
Physical Examination;
Stethoscopes;
Technetium;
Thermography*;
Varicocele*;
Veins
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
1992;33(3):537-541
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Varicocele is the most frequent cause of male subfertility. Because it is the most common surgically correctable cause of male infertility, its diagnosis is important. For diagnosis of varicoceles, venography, thermography, and doppler stethoscope were available, but they involved invasiveness, inaccuracy, lack of objectivity and cosiliness. Two noninvasive methods for detecting varicoceles. scrotogram using Technetium and digital infrared thermography imaging(DITI), were evaluated in 52 patients complaining of infertility. The results of scrotogram and thermography were not consistent in these patients. When the varicoceles were confirmed with internal spermatic venography or high ligation of internal spermatic vein, the physical examination was the most accurate method. compared with scrotogram and thermography. Scrotogram (0.73) was more sensitive than thermography(0.64). The each combination of the two of physical examination scrotogram and thermography increased the accuracy in terms of sensitivity and positive predictive value. This study suggest that the combination of scrotogram and thermography with physical examination would increase the diagnostic accuracy in the varicoceles.
