A comparative study of shear wave elastography in the evaluation of undescended and retractile testes in a pediatric population

摘要

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic value of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the evaluation of undescended and retractile testes (RT) in a pediatric population.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated a total of 37 undescended testes (UDT), 15 RT, and 56 normal testes using SWE. The stiffness values were recorded for speed (m/s) and elasticity (kPa), and the mean stiffness values of groups were compared with each other.ResultsThe mean stiffness values of the UDT (13.804.14kPa, 2.14 +/- 0.29m/s) were higher than the mean SWE values of the normal testes (7.44 +/- 2.11kPa, 1.57 +/- 0.21m/s) (p<0.0001). The mean stiffness values of the RT (9.64 +/- 3.71kPa, 1.75 +/- 0.35m/s) exceeded those of the normal testes (p=0.004 for elasticity and p=0.02 for speed). The mean stiffness value of the UDT was higher than the retractile ones (p<0.0001 for elasticity and speed).Conclusion p id=Par4 The higher stiffness values of the UDT and the RT compared to normal testes are likely reflective of underlying pathological alterations; hence, we suggest that SWE might serve as a valuable adjunct for the management of UDT and RT by assessing and monitoring ultrastructural changes.