Color doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of varicocele : best position and site for improving maximal vein diameter measuremen

Abstract EN

The purpose of this study is to identify the best position and site for color Doppler ultrasonography evaluation of testicular vein to obtain optimal diameter measurement.

Over the first six months of year 2017, eighty nine patients aged 22-48 years who proved to have varicocele were included in the study.

Color Doppler sonography was performed using a 7.5 MHz linear-array transducer, and the diameter of largest testicular vein at three different sites was measured in both supine and standing positions with and without Valsalva maneuver.

Patients' varicoceles were graded according to the supine-rest maximum vein diameter into: Grade 0: less than 2 mm, Grade I: 2-3 mm, Grade II: more than 3 mm, and the changes in caliber in those grades were compared.

Posterlateral scrotal edge was the best site for maximal vein diameter measurement followed by epididymal head, and the maximum vein diameter is obtained at the standing position with the use od Valsalva maneuver.

So, the best position and site was the upright position with Valsalva maneuver at the posterolateral scrotal edge followed by epididymal head level.