Chapter 20 - The use of ultrasound and radiologic imaging in the diagnosis of male infertility

Summary

This chapter summarizes various imaging modalities in the workup of male infertility with emphasis on indications and outcome interpretation. The conditions outlined in this chapter are commonly identified causes for oligospermia and azoospermia, and are the usual targets for imaging investigations. Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) has become the most frequently used imaging modality for varicocele detection. Ultrasound studies of spermatic veins have suggested that the presence of multiple large veins. In CBAVD the diagnosis is established clinically by the absence of the two vasa deferentia on palpation. Intratesticular cysts include cysts of the tunica albuginea, tubular ectasia of the rete testis, and testicular cysts. Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is characterized by the presence of numerous punctate calcifications within the testis. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided echo-enhanced seminal vesiculography in combination with transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct (TURED) is considered the best imaging method when treating ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO).