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Pedersen MRV, Otto PO, Fredslund M, Smedegaard C, Jensen J, McEntee MF, Loft MK. Ultrasound assessment of testicular volume - An interobserver variability study. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2023; 54:692-698. [PMID: 37838500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasonography measurement of the testicles and subsequent calculation of the testicular volume is recommended as a part of a standard scrotal ultrasound examination. The interobserver variability of testicular volume measurement has implications for surgical recommendations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the interobserver variability in the measurement of testicular volume. METHODS Interobserver variability was established by comparing testicular measurements performed by two observers on the same patient during the same clinical appointment. The observers were blinded to each other's measurements. Testicular volume was calculated using the Lambert formula: length x width x height x 0.71. A total of three observers, A, B and C, participated in the study. The observers had between 4 to 20 years' experience with scrotal ultrasound examinations. RESULTS In total, 24 patients' were included (48 testicles). The patient´s mean age was 43 years (range 19-75 years). The overall mean right testicular volume was 19.8 ml (range 7.3-31.6 ml), and the left was 20.1 ml (range 7.1-36.1 ml). The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between observer A and B was excellent (ICC= 0.98, CI:0.92-0.99), between observer A and C, was excellent (ICC=0.91, CI: 0.77-0.97) and between B and C good (ICC=0.82, CI:0.51-0.93). CONCLUSION Variability in estimating testicular volume is low, with interobserver agreement ranging from good to excellent. Ultrasound provides a highly reproducible tool to determine testicular volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene Roland Vils Pedersen
- University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, Denmark; University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Kolding hospital, Sygehusvej 24, Kolding, Denmark; University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Regional Health, Campusvej 55, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Peter Obel Otto
- University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Mads Fredslund
- University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Claus Smedegaard
- University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Janni Jensen
- Odense University Hospital, Department of Radiology, J. B Winsløwsvej 4, Odense, Denmark; Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark
| | - Mark F McEntee
- University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, Denmark; University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Regional Health, Campusvej 55, Odense, Denmark; University College Cork, School of Medicine, Discipline of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Ireland
| | - Martina Kastrup Loft
- University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, Denmark; University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Kolding hospital, Sygehusvej 24, Kolding, Denmark
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Bracco C, Gloria A, Contri A. Ultrasound-Based Technologies for the Evaluation of Testicles in the Dog: Keystones and Breakthroughs. Vet Sci 2023; 10:683. [PMID: 38133235 PMCID: PMC10747277 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool extensively used in the andrology of human and domestic animals, including dogs. This review aims to provide an overview of various technologies based on ultrasound, from the basic B-Mode ultrasonography to the more recent advancements, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and ultrasound elastography (UEl), all of which are utilized in the evaluation of canine testicles. The review outlines the principles behind each of these technologies and discusses their application in assessing normal and abnormal testicular conditions. B-mode canine testicular ultrasonography primarily focuses on detecting focal lesions but has limitations in terms of objectivity. Other technologies, including Doppler ultrasonography, B-Flow, and CEUS, allow for the characterization of vascular patterns, which could be further measured using specific applications like spectral Doppler or quantitative CEUS. Additionally, ultrasound elastography enables the assessment of parenchyma stiffness both qualitatively and quantitatively. These ultrasound-based technologies play a crucial role in andrology by providing valuable information for evaluating testicular function and integrity, aiding in the identification of pathological conditions that may impact the health and quality of life of male dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessia Gloria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.)
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