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| Sonographic Features of Vasectomy-Related Changes and
Abnormalities in the Scrotum |
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| Hee Jae Chang, MD Seung Eun Jung, MD, Jae Young Byun, MD, Byung Gil Choi, MD |
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| Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic
University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea |
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| This article presents changes in the testis and epididymis after a vasectomy as well
as illustrate the various vasectomy-related abnormalities on sonographic examination.
In patients with scrotal pain after a recent vasectomy, the sonographic findings include
enlargement of the epididymis with an ill-defined border and hematoma, or a hematocele
surrounding the testis and epididymis. Vasectomy-related changes are likely
attributable to post-vasectomy obstructive changes and increased intraluminal pressure
in the efferent ducts, epididymides, and vas deferens. The typical sonographic
changes after a vasectomy primarily include epididymal thickening and epididymal
tubular ectasia with diminished blood flow in the epididymis. Spermatoceles display
various sonographic findings, from multilocular cysts, to cystic lesions with low-echo
levels, to a solid mass. Sperm granulomas appear as well-circumscribed heterogeneous
masses on sonography and are commonly found at the epididymis or the ends
of the severed vas deferens. The hydrocele, varicocele, epididymal cysts, and testicular
cysts can also be associated; however, these findings are nonspecific. When radiologists
encounter abnormalities of the scrotum, it would be useful to obtain a history
of vasectomy to enable a correct diagnosis. Understanding of sonographic features of
vasectomy-related changes and abnormalities is essential for correct diagnosis and
proper management. |
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| Keyword : Vasectomy; Epididymis; Testis; Sonography |
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pdf파일 : 253-259장희재.pdf 
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> Journal > Journal Search 
Journal of Korean Society of Ultrasound in Medicine 2010 ; 29 (4) : p.253-259
