Imaging of groin masses: inguinal anatomy and pathologic conditions revisited

Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck extending in the retroperitoneal space: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is a rarely encountered entity. We report a case underwent laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) treatment for a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck extending in the extraperitoneal space mainly.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 37-year-old woman complained of painless and reducible swelling in her left groin, and referred to our hospital for surgical management against left inguinal hernia with the incarcerated ovary. Ultrasonography and MR images revealed a cystic mass in the retroperitoneal space, and we diagnosed as an unusual type of hydrocele of the canal of Nuck. The patient was scheduled for laparoscopic treatment. Laparoscopic findings on pneumoperitoneum showed an extraperitoneal cystic tumor with no contact with the left ovary. The fascia and peritoneum of the port site were closed, and then an extraperitoneal space was created. The cystic tumor with the round ligament of the uterus was dissected and resected by the TEP technique. The extended deep inguinal ring was repaired with polypropylene mesh. Postoperative course was uneventful.

DISCUSSION

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck in the adult female is a rare condition. The accurate diagnosis of an inguinal hydrocele in a female is seldom made. Laparoscopic examination provides surgeons with information of inguinal swelling accompanied with retroperitoneal cyst, and consecutive treatment by laparoscopic technique, especially TEP, is useful in regard to minimal damage of the peritoneum.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic diagnosis and TEP treatment offers a useful alternative in selected patients with hydrocele of the canal of Nuck.

The inguinal herniation of the ovary in the newborn: ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound findings

Inguinal hernias in the newborn age group are seldom encountered. In the affected female patient, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the intestines may settle in the hernia sac. The early diagnosis of torsion in cases in which the ovary is herniated into the inguinal canal is of utmost importance in order to give surgery the chance of reduction and correction. In this paper, a case of an ovarian herniation into the inguinal canal without the presence of torsion is being presented, and the place of US and CDUS in the differential diagnosis of the situation is being discussed.

Sonography of female genital hernias presenting as labia majora masses

Inguinal herniation of the ovary or uterus presenting as a labia majora mass is a rare congenital condition that may be complicated by strangulation, torsion, and infertility. A labial mass in a prepubertal female patient can represent an inguinal hernia, a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck, a congenital labial cyst, leiomyoma, an abscess, lipoma, or lymphangioma. With a large differential diagnosis and an often limited physical examination, imaging plays an importance diagnostic role. We present 3 cases in which a labial mass contained an ovary alone and both ovaries and the uterus. We demonstrate sonographic findings and discuss the utility of sonography in the diagnosis of genital hernias and in detecting potential complications.

Large Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Diagnosed upon Radiological Evaluation of Mild Right-Sided Inguinal Hernia

While inguinal hernia is common in the primary care office, the differential diagnosis is extensive and includes infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic processes. Varicocele is another frequent, generally benign condition which occasionally reflects serious disease entities. Left-sided or bilateral varicoceles account for the overwhelming majority of varicoceles because the left gonadal vein drains into the left renal vein in contrast to the right gonadal vein, which drains directly into the inferior vena cava, thus making left-sided or bilateral venous congestion more likely. Presence of an uncommon unilateral right-sided varicocele thus warrants further radiological workup, in particular CT abdomen and pelvis, to evaluate for retroperitoneal pathology. We describe a case in which appropriate use of a variety of imaging modalities including testicular ultrasound and CT led to an important diagnosis of a large, well-differentiated liposarcoma in the right retroperitoneum of a patient with a right-sided groin mass.

Ultrasound prenatal diagnosis of inguinal scrotal hernia and contralateral hydrocele

Fetal inguinal scrotal hernia is a rare condition resulting in an abnormal embryonic process of the tunica vaginalis. We report a case of ultrasound prenatal diagnosis of inguinal scrotal hernia associated with contralateral hydrocele in a woman at 37 weeks of gestation, referred to our clinic for a scrotal mass. Differential diagnosis includes hydrocele, teratoma, hemangiomas, solid tumours of testis, bowel herniation, and testicular torsion. Bowel peristalsis is an important ultrasound sign and it allowed us to make diagnosis of inguinal scrotal hernia. Diagnosis was confirmed at birth and a laparoscopic hernia repair was performed without complications on day 10. During surgery, a bilateral defect of canal inguinal was seen and considered as the cause of scrotal inguinal hernia and contralateral hydrocele observed in utero.

Imaging of the inguinal canal in children

The inguinal canal is often seen at the edge of the field of view on plain radiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging and may often not be scanned when performing sonography of the scrotum or abdomen. As a result, pathology in this anatomical region may be easily overlooked. The peculiar embryology of the inguinal canal makes the identification of pathology in the inguinal region significant, as some of the processes that take place within the scrotum may originate in the abdomen, and vice versa. This article reviews the relevant embryology of the inguinal canal, discusses abdominal and scrotal conditions that involve the inguinal region, and illustrates associated pathology.

Strangulated femoral hernia turned to be peritoneal cyst

Introduction. A peritoneal inclusion cyst is a very rare mesenteric cyst of mesothelial origin usually asymptomatic. A rare case of an 82-year-old white Caucasian female with a femoral hernia containing a large peritoneal inclusion cyst, mimicking strangulated hernia, is presented herein. Case Presentation. The patient was admitted to our hospital suffering from a palpable groin mass on the right, which became painful and caused great discomfort for the last hours. Physical examination revealed a tender and tense, irreducible groin mass. An inguinal operative approach was selected and the mass was found protruding through the femoral ring. After careful dissection it turned out to be a large unilocular cyst, containing serous fluid, probably originating from the peritoneum. McVay procedure was used to reapproximate the femoral ring. Histologic examination showed a peritoneal inclusion cyst. Discussion. Peritoneal inclusion cysts are usually asymptomatic but occasionally present with various, nonspecific symptoms according to their size. Our case highlights that high index of clinical suspicion and careful exploration during repair of a hernia is mandatory in order to reach the correct diagnosis about hernia's contents.

Encysted hydrocele of cord in an adult misdiagnosed as irreducible hernia: a case report

A number of pathologies can present as groin swellings in adults.Among these, encysted hydrocele of the cord presenting as swelling in an adult is a rare. A case of encysted hydrocele of cord in 36 year old male mimicking as as an irreducible hernia is reported. The diagnosis of hydrocele was made intraoperatively. An excision of the sac was performed.

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck: imaging findings

The hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is quite a rare condition and results from the failure of obliteration of the distal portion of evaginated parietal peritoneum within the inguinal canal which forms a sac containing fluid. It generally presents with painless inguinal swelling. Ultrasonography and MRI is plays an important role to differentiate from the other conditions presenting with inguinal swelling. We present the imaging findings of a case in 5-year-old girl.

The MRI findings of a de Garengeot hernia

The presence of the appendix within a femoral hernia is rare. It was first described by the French surgeon Jacques Croissant de Garengeot in 1731. This phenomenon accounts for 0.8-1% of all femoral hernias. Acute appendicitis occurring within a femoral hernia is even rarer and is difficult to diagnose pre-operatively. This type of hernia is termed a de Garengeot hernia. The ultrasonographic and CT imaging features of de Garengeot hernias have been described previously. We report a case of a 57-year-old female who presented with a painful right-sided groin mass. She underwent MRI of the inguinal region, which successfully diagnosed this rare hernia pre-operatively. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a de Garengeot hernia diagnosed using MRI.

Multiple myeloma-associated iliopsoas muscular amyloidoma first presenting with bilateral femoral nerve entrapment

We report a 38-year-old man of multiple myeloma with bilateral femoral nerve entrapment caused by bilateral huge protruding masses in the inguinal areas. The masses were identified as iliopsoas muscular amyloidoma after the operation. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 1 year ago before he was admitted to our hospital. He complained of muscle weakness in the bilateral thigh and protruding lumps in the bilateral inguinal areas with tenderness for 6 month. The pelvic MRI revealed round masses in the iliopsoas muscles of bilateral inguinal areas. To implement the nerve decompression, the resection of the bilateral masses was done. The pathological result showed Congo red-positive substance with green birefringence to polarized light in a dense fibrous background. Before the operation, six cycles of chemotherapy with VAD (vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone) and two cycles of chemotherapy with PAD (bortezomib, adriamycin, dexamethasone) regimen were performed. One month after the operations, one cycle of chemotherapy with PADT (bortezomib, adriamycin, dexamethasone, thalidomide) regimen was used and the patient reached complete remission. The function of the bilateral femoral nerves restored to normal 7 months after the operation with a Karnofsky score of 100. Twenty-two months follow-up showed that there was no evidence of the recurrence of the iliopsoas muscular amyloidoma and no progression of multiple myeloma.

An evidence-based approach for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: lessons learned from over 1,000 repairs

In this educational article, we aim to provide a literature review on laparoscopic anatomy of the inguinal region. We share the lessons learnt from the 1,194 laparoscopic hernia operations we have performed in 16 years of experience, trying to provide an anatomical and physiological basis for surgeons. The current study reports a personal experience with a transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernioplasty procedure. A literature review using the keywords "hernia," "laparoscopic approach," and "hernia repair" was performed using the electronic biomedical database PubMed, Medline Extra, Embase, Biosis, Science Citation Index, Ovid and text books. Between January 1994 and December 2010, a total of 1,194 patients, males and females (average age, 56.7 years), underwent laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair. Following reduction of the hernia sac and creation of the preperitoneal flap, a polypropylene mesh (10 × 16) and four spiral tacks were placed. TAPP is easy to learn and perform. Through this approach, a much better view from the inguinal anatomy is achieved, and the procedure also offers a brief learning curve. Our patients reported minimal postoperative pain and returned to work after 5-10 days, which is in accordance with the general anesthesia series. During the follow-up period, 10% of seromas, 3% of scrotal hematomas, 1% of hemorrhages, and 3% of recurrent hernias were observed. It should be emphasized that we have not observed abscess formation or acute infection related to the presence of mesh.

Groin pain in women: use of sonography to detect occult hernias

OBJECTIVES

Symptomatic groin hernias in women may be difficult to assess clinically and commonly mimic pathologic musculoskeletal and gynecologic conditions. The objective of our study was to investigate the accuracy of sonography in women with groin pain and normal physical examination findings.

METHODS

A consecutive group of 87 women (median age, 44.6 years; range, 19-82 years) with groin pain and normal physical examination findings were included in the study. All patients had a standardized sonographic examination of the groin performed by an experienced radiologist or a sonographer. If a groin hernia was identified, it was classified as indirect, direct, or femoral. Normal examination findings and alternate pathologic groin conditions were also recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for the sonographic findings and compared to the findings for patients sent for surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 87 women with groin pain, 37 groin hernias were diagnosed in 35 patients. Surgery was performed in 26 patients (27 groins). Sonography correctly depicted and classified groin hernias in 18 of the 21 groins that had surgical confirmation. Six women without groin hernias also had surgical exploration of the affected side. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the patients with surgical confirmation were 95%, 75%, 95%, and 75%, respectively. Groin pain in 26 patients was attributed to other causes. The remainder of the patients had normal examination findings or were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Groin hernias in women can be occult and confound the clinical diagnosis. In a woman with groin pain and normal or indeterminate physical examination findings, we have found that sonography can accurately depict and classify groin hernias and other pathologic processes.

Amyand Hernia Diagnosed With Sonography

Individually, inguinal hernias and acute appendicitis are common, but the combination of the two, acute appendicitis within an inguinal hernia or Amyand hernia (AH), is rare. The overwhelming majority of AH cases are in males and discovered during surgery. To date, only three case reports in the literature of this pathology have been diagnosed with sonography. This is a report of an AH diagnosed in a woman with sonography.

Endometriosis in the canal of Nuck hydrocele: An unusual presentation

The authors describe an unusual rare presentation of endometriosis in a hydrocoele of the canal of Nuck. A 43-year-old lady presented with a swelling in her right groin associated with mild discomfort. Examination revealed a cystic swelling in the groin for which she underwent an exploration and excision of the swelling. Surgery revealed a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck which was confirmed histologically. The unusual presentation of endometriosis in the sac was confirmed immunocytochemically.

Scrotal swelling caused by acute necrotizing pancreatitis: CT diagnosis

Scrotal involvement is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis. It presents as scrotal swelling and skin color change, which mimics the presentations of testicular torsion, epididymitis, and testicular tumor. Its differential diagnosis is important because scrotal involvement of acute pancreatitis can be treated conservatively. Abdominopelvic CT provides a useful means of diagnosing this complication. Here, the authors present a case of acute pancreatitis extending to the left scrotum, mimicking a testicular tumor. A CT scan helped avoid unnecessary orchiectomy.

Diagnosis of inguinal region hernias with axial CT: the lateral crescent sign and other key findings

Differentiation of direct inguinal hernias, indirect inguinal hernias, and femoral hernias is often difficult at clinical examination and presents challenges even at diagnostic imaging. With the advent of higher-resolution multidetector computed tomography (CT), the minute anatomic detail of the inguinal region can be better delineated. The authors examine the appearance of these hernias at axial CT, as the axial plane remains the diagnostic mainstay of evaluation of acute abdomen. They review and label key anatomic structures, present cases of direct and indirect inguinal hernias and femoral hernias, and demonstrate their anatomic differences on axial images. Direct inguinal hernias protrude anteromedial and inferior to the course of the inferior epigastric vessels, whereas indirect inguinal hernias protrude posterolateral and superior to the course of those vessels. The proposed lateral crescent sign may be useful in diagnosis of early direct inguinal hernias, as it represents lateral compression and stretching of the inguinal canal fat and contents by the hernia sac. Femoral hernias protrude inferior to the course of the inferior epigastric vessels and medial to the common femoral vein, often have a narrow funnel-shaped neck, and may compress the femoral vein, causing engorgement of distal collateral veins. Familiarity with these anatomic differences at axial CT, along with the lateral crescent sign of direct inguinal hernias, may help the radiologist better assist the clinician in accurate diagnosis of the major types of hernias of the inguinal region. Supplemental material available at http://radiographics.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/rg.312105129/-/DC1.

The importance of being earnest; in haemostasis after femoral venepuncture

Femoral vein phlebotomy is a commonly used technique to obtain venous blood in situations where peripheral venous access is not possible. It is often performed by junior medical staff members and there is little formal teaching of the technique. There are no good research articles on safe postprocedural management or of complication rates. Furthermore, few medical textbooks deal with the procedure beyond demonstration of the femoral neurovascular anatomy. Information available recommends compression times of between 3-15 min following femoral arterial blood sampling in patients with normal coagulation parameters. There are no guidelines available in the literature for compression times following femoral venous puncture. The authors report a case of life threatening occult haemorrhage following apparently unsuccessful femoral venepuncture. This case demonstrates the importance of post procedural care in all cases of invasive central venous access.

Abdominal hernias: Radiological features

Abdominal wall hernias are common diseases of the abdomen with a global incidence approximately 4%-5%. They are distinguished in external, diaphragmatic and internal hernias on the basis of their localisation. Groin hernias are the most common with a prevalence of 75%, followed by femoral (15%) and umbilical (8%). There is a higher prevalence in males (M:F, 8:1). Diagnosis is usually made on physical examination. However, clinical diagnosis may be difficult, especially in patients with obesity, pain or abdominal wall scarring. In these cases, abdominal imaging may be the first clue to the correct diagnosis and to confirm suspected complications. Different imaging modalities are used: conventional radiographs or barium studies, ultrasonography and Computed Tomography. Imaging modalities can aid in the differential diagnosis of palpable abdominal wall masses and can help to define hernial contents such as fatty tissue, bowel, other organs or fluid. This work focuses on the main radiological findings of abdominal herniations.

Pathways of extrapelvic spread of pelvic disease: imaging findings

The complex extraperitoneal anatomy of the pelvis includes various outlets for the transit of organs and neurovascular structures to the rest of the body. These outlets include the greater sciatic foramen, lesser sciatic foramen, inguinal canal, femoral triangle, obturator canal, anal and genitourinary hiatuses of the pelvic floor, prevesical space, and iliopsoas compartment. All of these structures serve as conduits for the dissemination of malignant and benign inflammatory diseases from the pelvic cavity and into the soft-tissue structures of the abdominal wall, buttocks, and upper thigh. Knowledge of the pelvic anatomy is crucial to understand these patterns of disease spread. Cross-sectional imaging provides important anatomic information and depicts the extent of disease and its involvement of surrounding extrapelvic structures, information that is important for planning surgery and radiation therapy.

Nuck canal endometriosis: MR imaging findings and clinical features

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the MR imaging findings of Nuck canal endometriosis (NCE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a 10-year period, 486 out of 612 patients, with laparoscopically and/or surgically proven diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis, underwent MR imaging examination. The examinations were reviewed by two urogenital experienced radiologists working in consensus. Data analysis included: lesions location, size, morphological and signal intensity pattern, involvement of the adjacent muscles, and tendons.

RESULTS

In 372 out of 486 patients an MRI diagnosis of endometriosis was made. NCE was found in eight patients. All the lesions were located on the right side. The mean size of the lesions was 2.5 cm (range 1.5-4.5 cm). Two patterns of NCE were found: type 1, prevalently cystic (n = 2); and type 2, prevalently solid with small scattered cysts within lesion (n = 6). In all the patients, hemorrhagic hyperintense cysts could be seen on T1-weighted images. In four patients, the lesions involved the inguinal canal, and in another four patients, the lesions were only outside the inguinal canal. Involvement of the abdominis rectus muscle was seen in two patients, and of the adductor common tendon in two patients.

CONCLUSION

MR imaging permits the diagnosis of NCE as well as the evaluation of exact extension of the disease.

A rare presentation of appendicitis as groin swelling: a case report

BACKGROUND

Appendicitis in femoral hernia is a rare condition, which raises diagnostic challenge.

CASE REPORT

A 40-year-old man presented with painful right-sided groin swelling of 1-week duration. The area was explored, with presumpted diagnosis of inguinal abscess. At exploration a femoral hernia was found which contained a mildly inflammed appendix. Appendicectomy and hernia repair was done. Post surgical course was uneventful. We present this case with brief summary of literature pertaining to such lesions.

DISCUSSION

The rare occurrence of femoral hernia containing appendix may be explained by different degrees of intestinal rotation during development or variation in its attachment to the caecum. Inflammation is due to tight femoral ring. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Management options are diverse.

CONCLUSION

We present this case because of rarity. Early surgery prevents complications.

Imaging review of groin pain in elite athletes: an anatomic approach to imaging findings

OBJECTIVE

Groin pain in elite athletes is a common yet challenging diagnostic and management dilemma for the sports clinician, accounting for a significant proportion of athletic injuries. It is often debilitating and, if severe enough, may compromise an athlete's career. Traditionally, groin pain has been poorly understood by radiologists.

CONCLUSION

A major reason groin pain has been misunderstood is the complexity of the anatomy of this region, which this article discusses in detail in an effort to inform the reader.

The inguinal canal: anatomy and imaging features of common and uncommon masses

A variety of benign and malignant masses can be found in the inguinal canal (IC). Benign causes of masses in the IC include spermatic cord lipoma, hematoma, abscess, neurofibroma, varicocele, desmoid tumor, air, bowel contrast material, hydrocele, and prostheses. Primary neoplasms of the IC include liposarcoma, Burkitt lymphoma, testicular carcinoma, and sarcoma. Metastases to the IC can occur from alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, monophasic sarcoma, prostate cancer, Wilms tumor, carcinoid tumor, melanoma, or pancreatic cancer. In patients with a known malignancy and peritoneal carcinomatosis, the diagnosis of metastases can be suggested when a mass is detected in the IC. When peritoneal disease is not evident, a mass in the IC is indicative of stage IV disease and may significantly alter clinical and surgical treatment of the patient. A combination of the clinical history, symptoms, laboratory values, and radiologic features aids the radiologist in accurately diagnosing mass lesions of the IC. Supplemental material available at radiographics.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/28/3/819/DC1.

The accuracy of ultrasonography in classification of groin hernias according to the criteria of the unified classification system

BACKGROUND

The modern concept of type-related individualized groin hernia surgery imposes a demand for precise and accurate preoperative determination of the type of groin hernia. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography in classification of groin hernias, according to the criteria of the unified classification system. Unified classification divides groin hernias into nine types (grades): type I (indirect, small), II (indirect, medium), III (indirect, large), IV (direct, small), V (direct, medium), VI (direct, large), VII (combined-pantaloon), VIII (femoral), and O (other).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-five adult patients with clinically diagnosed or suspected groin hernias were examined. Ultrasonography of both groins was performed with a 5 to 10-MHz linear-array transducer. Preoperative ultrasonographic findings of type of groin hernia were compared with the intraoperative findings, which were considered the gold standard.

RESULTS

Total accuracy of ultrasonography in determination of type of groin hernia was 96% (119 of 124 correct predictions of type of groin hernia compared with surgical explorations). All hernias of types I, IV, V, VII, and VIII were correctly identified with ultrasonography (sensitivity and specificity 100%). In the remaining five cases of the 124 (4%), hernia was incorrectly classified with ultrasonography: type VI (direct, large) was misdiagnosed as type III (indirect, large) in three cases, type III as type VI in one case, and type III as type II (indirect, medium) in one case. The sensitivity and the specificity of ultrasonography in classifying type II were 100 and 99%, respectively, for type III, 85 and 97%, and for type VI, 90 and 99%.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography of the groin regions could be used with great accuracy for precise classification of groin hernias in adults. Each type of groin hernia, according to the unified classification system that we used for classification, has a characteristic ultrasonographic presentation, which is demonstrated in this study.

Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of testicular volume and blood flow in patients with inguinal hernias

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an inguinal hernia would have an impact on the testicular volume and blood flow by scrotal ultrasonography.

METHODS

Twenty-six male patients with unilateral inguinal hernias with a mean age of 48.1 years were included in the study. Testicular volumes were calculated, and spectral parameters such as the pulsatility index and resistive index of the testicular artery at supratesticular, subcapsular, and intratesticular levels on both the side with the inguinal hernia and the contralateral side were measured by a preoperative ultrasonographic examination. Comparisons between the dependent groups were performed by a Wilcoxon or paired samples t test where appropriate.

RESULTS

The mean +/- SD testicular volume on the side with the inguinal hernia was significantly higher than that on the contralateral testis (15.46+/-4.49 versus 14.54+/-3.65 mL, respectively; P<.05, Student t test). In addition, the mean resistive index of the intratesticular arteries was significantly higher on the side with the hernia compared with the contralateral side (0.66+/-0.06 versus 0.63+/-0.05; P<.05, Student t test).

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that an inguinal hernia may impair testicular blood flow, which may be attributable to an intermittent mechanical compression effect on the funiculus spermaticus in the inguinal canal.

Radiologic Anatomy of the Inguinofemoral Region: Insights from MDCT

OBJECTIVE

We set out to reexamine the radiologic anatomy of the inguinofemoral region using volume data sets obtained with an MDCT scanner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic prospective review of CT scans of 20 consecutively enrolled patients, 10 men and 10 women chosen retrospectively from our CT database. An experienced radiologist and a senior trainee surgeon conducted an image review to maximize recognition of relevant anatomic detail.

RESULTS

The inferior epigastric artery and femoral canal were identified in all planes in all patients. On axial views a spur on the pubic bone was visible in 17 (85%) of the patients, but the inguinal ligament was not reliably identified in any. The round ligament or spermatic cord was visible in only 15 (75%) of 20 patients. In contrast, on coronal and sagittal views, the inguinal ligament, which is vital to reliable identification and accurate classification of groin hernias, was visible in 19 (95%) of the 20 patients. Scans in the sagittal plane best depicted the gutter-like aspect of the ligament, the canal and contents being clearly visible in 95% of the patients. On sagittal views, the internal ring was identifiable in 90% and the round ligament or spermatic cord in 95% of the patients. On coronal images, the internal ring was identified in all and the conjoint tendon in 95% of the patients. The round ligament or spermatic cord was not seen in 10% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

MDCT produces images of the inguinal region in detail not possible with previous generations of scanners. In our small series, 100% identification of key anatomic structures was achieved when information from all three views was combined. We found subtle differences between imaging findings and standard anatomic teaching.

Differentiation of Femoral Versus Inguinal Hernia: CT Findings

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to investigate the CT findings of femoral hernias, focusing on their differentiation from inguinal hernias.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of 46 femoral hernias in seven centers (review of femoral hernias) and those of 215 groin hernias (femoral hernias, 11; inguinal hernias, 204) in one center (review of groin hernias). We evaluated the presence of hernia, extent of hernia sac based on the relationship between the hernia sac and the pubic tubercle (localized sac: sac was localized lateral to the pubic tubercle; or extended sac: sac extended medial to the pubic tubercle), and compression of the femoral vein on CT images. The chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between the CT findings and femoral versus inguinal hernias in the review of groin hernias.

RESULTS

In the review of 46 femoral hernias, the lesions were detected on CT in 45. In the 45 lesions, all hernia sacs were localized, and 42 lesions showed venous compression. In the review of 215 groin hernias, all 11 femoral hernias had localized sacs with venous compression on CT. Of the 204 inguinal hernias, 98 lesions were detected on CT, 65 had extended sacs, and only 10 showed venous compression. Localized sacs with venous compression were seen much more often in the femoral hernias (11/11, 100%) than in the inguinal hernias (1/92, 1.1%) (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

CT images are useful to differentiate femoral hernias from inguinal hernias.

Sonographic findings of groin masses

OBJECTIVE

The groin contents consist of the spermatic cord and its fascial coverings and vascular, nervous, and muscular structures. Abnormalities in the groin region are variable. The purpose of this image presentation is to describe the sonographic findings of the various kinds of groin lesions.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the sonographic findings of various kinds of groin lesions. All sonographic examinations were performed with high-frequency (5- to 15-MHz) linear array transducers.

RESULTS

The most common abnormality in the groin was a hernia, which contains bowel loops, omental fat, and peritoneal fluid. The most common benign tumor of the inguinal region was a lipoma. Other benign tumors of the groin included leiomyomas, dermoid cysts, epidermoid cysts, and lymphangiomas. The most common primary malignant tumors in the inguinal region were sarcomas such as rhabdomyosarcoma and liposarcoma. Secondary malignant tumors of the inguinal regions were metastatic lymphomas and metastatic carcinomas of the lung, breast, ovary, and gastrointestinal tract. Hematomas and inflammation may occur in the inguinal region.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was substantial overlap of sonographic findings in the various inguinal masses, clinical history and certain sonographic details can assist in making the correct diagnosis.

The accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of clinically occult groin hernias in adults

This prospective study examined the accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing occult groin hernias in adults. The study included 52 consecutive patients reviewed in the surgical out-patient clinic with a history suggestive of groin hernia but with a normal or inconclusive clinical examination. Each patient underwent a preliminary ultrasound examination by an experienced consultant radiologist who was aware that the patient had a history suggestive of a hernia but was blinded to the side of the symptoms. The patient then proceeded to herniography, and some patients also had surgical exploration. The results of the ultrasound were assessed in relation to the herniography, and the patients who proceeded to surgical exploration had further correlation with surgery. Ultrasound had a sensitivity of 29% and specificity of 90% compared with the herniography. Correlation with surgical findings showed ultrasound to have a sensitivity of 33% and a specificity of 100%. The sensitivity of ultrasound in detecting clinically occult hernias in a non-acute presentation is poor, and patients with normal ultrasound should be considered for further investigation.

Acute painful scrotum

The ability of US to diagnose the pathogenesis of the acute scrotum is unsurpassed by any other imaging modality. It is the first imaging performed in patients with acute scrotum. Knowledge of the normal and pathologic sonographic appearance of the scrotum and proper sonographic technique is essential for accurate diagnosis of acute scrotum. High-frequency transducer sonography combined with color flow Doppler sonography provides the information essential to reach a specific diagnosis in patients with testicular torsion, epididymo-orchitis, and testicular trauma.

Torsion of undescended testis in a man with Down's syndrome

Undescended testis is one of the most common disorders in Down's syndrome. We present an extremely rare case of torsion of an inguinal undescended testis in a 35-year-old patient with Down's syndrome. Surgical exploration revealed a rotated gangrenous testis, radical orchiectomy was performed, and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of testicular torsion.