Comparison of diffusion-weighed MRI findings of the testis in patients with the advanced stage unilateral testicular varicocele

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the testicular apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the patients with unilateral advanced stage varicocele and healthy volunteers. Twenty-seven patients with unilateral advanced stage varicocele and twenty-seven healthy volunteers were included in the study. Those with a diagnosis of clinical varicocele and the healthy volunteers were examined clinical and color Doppler ultrasonography. Patients with a unilateral (left) varicocele clinically grade III, color Doppler ultrasound grade IV-V were included in the study. All the patients and healthy volunteers were obtained ADC values. Mean values were calculated and statistical comparison was performed. ADC values were analysed by using an independent t test for each participant. Pearson's correlation test was used for the comparison of left pampiniform venous diameter and both testicular parenchymal ADC values. Left testicular ADC values were observed to be significantly lower when a comparison of the testicular parenchymal with left advanced stage varicocele and healthy volunteers revealed significantly low left testicular ADC values in patients (p0.05) Furthermore, a negative correlation was detected between the increase in the left testicular venous diameter and parenchymal ADC values of the bilateral testis in patients with left advanced stage varicocele (left p -624, right p -0.382). Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging may be beneficial in defining the testicular damage in patients with varicocele