Submitted Successfully!
To reward your contribution, here is a gift for you: A free trial for our video production service.
Thank you for your contribution! You can also upload a video entry or images related to this topic.
Version Summary Created by Modification Content Size Created at Operation
1
Michele Bertolotto
 -- 1188 2023-11-23 11:58:52 |
2 layout
Jessie Wu
 Meta information modification 1188 2023-11-24 02:50:38 | |
3 layout
Jessie Wu
 -31 word(s) 1157 2023-11-27 08:48:41 |

Video Upload Options

We provide professional Video Production Services to translate complex research into visually appealing presentations. Would you like to try it?
No, upload directly Yes

Confirm

Are you sure to Delete?
Yes No
Cite
If you have any further questions, please contact Encyclopedia Editorial Office.
Pozza, C.; Tenuta, M.; Sesti, F.; Bertolotto, M.; Huang, D.Y.; Sidhu, P.S.; Maggi, M.; Isidori, A.M.; Lotti, F. Multiparametric US-US Methodological Standards. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/51990 (accessed on 21 December 2024).
Pozza C, Tenuta M, Sesti F, Bertolotto M, Huang DY, Sidhu PS, et al. Multiparametric US-US Methodological Standards. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/51990. Accessed December 21, 2024.
Pozza, Carlotta, Marta Tenuta, Franz Sesti, Michele Bertolotto, Dean Y. Huang, Paul S. Sidhu, Mario Maggi, Andrea M. Isidori, Francesco Lotti. "Multiparametric US-US Methodological Standards" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/51990 (accessed December 21, 2024).
Pozza, C., Tenuta, M., Sesti, F., Bertolotto, M., Huang, D.Y., Sidhu, P.S., Maggi, M., Isidori, A.M., & Lotti, F. (2023, November 23). Multiparametric US-US Methodological Standards. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/51990
Pozza, Carlotta, et al. "Multiparametric US-US Methodological Standards." Encyclopedia. Web. 23 November, 2023.
Multiparametric US-US Methodological Standards
Edit
This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/cancers15225332

Testicular lesions (TLs) are challenging clinical or ultrasound findings. When large, hard palpable lumps, TL management is mainly clinical, requiring conventional color-Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) to confirm that they are solid, vascularized lesions suggesting malignancy. However, when their CDUS characteristics are uncertain or when nonpalpable, multiparametric US (mp-US) (i.e., the combination of CDUS and more recent US techniques such as contrast-enhanced US and sonoelastography) plays a key role in their characterization, aimed at differentiating benign from malignant TL. This is relevant, since TLs are frequent, testicular tumors are the most common malignancies in young men, and the accurate assessment of a TL is critical to define its correct management including testicular salvage and US follow-up or orchiectomy. 

ultrasound (US) multi-parametric ultrasound (mp-US) gray-scale ultrasound (GSUS) color-Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)

1. Introduction

Ultrasonography (US) represents the gold standard imaging method for scrotal investigation and is widely used to assess a variety of scrotal diseases [1][2][3]. It is a simple, rapid, and harmless diagnostic tool that is able to provide live images of the scrotal content and, among the imaging techniques, it is the least expensive [1][2][3]. Over time, the use of US has progressively expanded since it is useful to assess scrotal features related to reproductive health, scrotal pain, masses, and trauma [1][2][3].
Currently, conventional gray-scale US (GSUS), supplemented by color-Doppler US (CDUS), is considered as being highly sensitive in detecting testicular lesions, however, it has limits in delineating their nature [3]. If performed by an expert operator, scrotal US, together with clinical history and physical examination, may suggest a differential diagnosis among benign and malignant testicular lesions [4]. However, in some cases, it is difficult to discriminate the benign or malignant origin of a testicular lesion, and in case of a “likely” malignant lesion, it is challenging to suggest a possible cancer type. Hence, to date, histology remains the only certain diagnostic tool to define the nature of a testicular lesion [2].
Recently, the use of contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and sonoelastography (SE) have led to improvements in the differential diagnosis of testicular lesions [2]. This led to a new diagnostic paradigm, the so called “multiparametric US” (mp-US) [5][6], combining conventional techniques (i.e., GSUS and CDUS) with CEUS [7] and SE [8]. Although not entirely diagnostic, mp-US is able to provide a detailed characterization of testicular lesions [4][9][10]. This is relevant in clinical practice, since an accurate mp-US evaluation of a testicular lesion, beside and along with clinical assessment, is critical to define its correct management including testicular US follow-up or orchiectomy [11]. On the one hand, when “palpable” testicular masses are found, they can be malignant in more than 90% of cases, making radical orchiectomy the standard treatment [12]. On the other hand, when nonpalpable testicular lesions are detected, often incidentally during a scrotal US performed for different reasons (e.g., male infertility, varicocele, history of cryptorchidism, scrotal pain or trauma), the clinical management is more cautious. In fact, these lesions are small and mostly benign [13][14], so unnecessary orchiectomy must be avoided, however, they can also be malignant and can grow over time. In this scenario, US is crucial in the follow-up of small lesions, suggesting surgery in the case of growth/modification of small nodules, especially if testicular tumor-related risk factors (e.g., age 15 to 40 years old, family history of testicular tumors, history of contralateral testicular tumor, cryptorchidism or oligo-/azoospermia) are present [1][15]. Hence, either in the case of palpable testicular masses or, especially, in the case of small testicular lesions, US is useful. In particular, mp-US can help in distinguishing benign and malignant lesions with good accuracy, providing a more detailed characterization than CDUS, CEUS, or SE alone.
Mp-US is increasingly recognized as a valuable problem-solving technique in scrotal pathologies, particularly in differential diagnosis of testicular lesions [9][16]. Mp-US combines conventional techniques (GSUS and CDUS) with CEUS, and SE [9][16], which are relatively recent in evaluating scrotal organs, particularly testicular lesions [2][17].

2. Scrotal/Testicular Color-Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS)

The standardization of the methodology used to perform scrotal color-Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) is relatively new. A detailed description of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for performing scrotal CDUS have been reported by the European Academy of Andrology for the entire male genital tract [17][18][19][20]. The EAA-proposed SOPs to assess scrotal CDUS and, in particular, testicular lesions, have been reported elsewhere [2][17][19] (see https://www.andrologyacademy.net/eaa-studies (accessed on 20 October 2023)). In particular, testicular US should be performed with a high frequency linear transducer, with the patient in the supine position. A US scan of both testicles should be performed including longitudinal, oblique, and transverse scans, with slow, continuous side-to-side movements that allow for the assessment of the entire parenchyma. The operator should evaluate at GSUS the volume of the testes (using the “ellipsoid” formula [height × width × length × 0.52] for adult testes [21] and the Lambert’s empirical formula [height × width × length × 0.71] for pre-pubertal testes [3]), the echogenicity, the echotexture, the possible presence of testicular calcifications or microlithiasis, and vascularization by CDUS, comparing the two sides. Testicular lesions should be accurately evaluated in longitudinal, oblique, and transverse scans. A complete evaluation should include: (1) diameters (length × height × width); (2) position and extension; (3) type (solid, cystic, mixed), homogeneity (homogeneous/inhomogeneous), and echogenicity (hypoechoic, hyperechoic, anechoic); (4) presence of intralesional calcifications; (5) shape (regular or irregular) and margins (clean-cut, smooth, multi-lobed, infiltrating); (6) vascularization pattern (absent, peripheral, intranodular). The images must be stored to be used for the comparison during follow-up. The report must also describe, besides the lesion, the US characteristics of both testicles and must specify the absence of lesions in the contralateral testicle [1][2][3][17][19].

3. Contrast-Enhanced US (CEUS)

The methodological standards for the clinical practice of contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) in non-hepatic applications including scrotum investigation have been reported by the EFSUMB Guidelines [21]. As a result, the assessment of some pathological conditions using CEUS has improved [7][21]. Using time–intensity curves, evaluating the wash-in and wash-out curves may help to distinguish malignant from benign tumors, although CEUS analyses still overlap between different histological types [7]. In addition, CEUS can discriminate non-viable regions in testicular trauma and can identify segmental testicular infarction [7][21].
For CEUS, a dedicated machine-setting with a low mechanical index (0.05–0.08) is needed to avoid early microbubble destruction. US contrast medium (very small-sized organic shells filled with gas with high impedance) should be injected as intravenous bolus and followed immediately by 10 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The entire examination needs to be recorded to perform qualitative and quantitative analyses [7].

4. Sonoelastography (SE)

The methodological standards for the clinical practice of sonoelastography (SE) in non-hepatic applications including testicular investigation have been reported by the EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations [22]. So far, strain elastography and shear wave elastography, which includes acoustic radiation force impulse-based techniques, and transient elastography are available. The basic principles of SE have been extensively described in previous EFSUMB Guidelines [23], while methodological standardization for different organs including the testis are reported in the updated EFSUMB guidelines [22]. From a methodological point of view, the use of SE to investigate focal testicular lesions can only be recommended in conjunction with other US techniques as there is overlap between benign and malignant neoplasms [22][24].

References

  1. Lotti, F.; Maggi, M. Ultrasound of the Male Genital Tract in Relation to Male Reproductive Health. Hum. Reprod. Update 2015, 21, 56–83.
  2. Lotti, F.; Bertolotto, M.; Maggi, M. Historical Trends for the Standards in Scrotal Ultrasonography: What Was, What Is and What Will Be Normal. Andrology 2021, 9, 1331–1355.
  3. Isidori, A.M.; Lenzi, A. Ultrasound of the Testis for the Andrologist: Morphological and Functional Atlas; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2018; ISBN 9783319518268.
  4. Huang, D.Y.; Sidhu, P.S. Focal Testicular Lesions: Colour Doppler Ultrasound, Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Tissue Elastography as Adjuvants to the Diagnosis. Br. J. Radiol. 2012, 85, S41–S53.
  5. Sidhu, P.S. Multiparametric Ultrasound (MPUS) Imaging: Terminology Describing the Many Aspects of Ultrasonography. Ultraschall Med. 2015, 36, 315–317.
  6. Shah, A.; Lung, P.F.; Clarke, J.L.; Sellars, M.E.; Sidhu, P.S. Re: New Ultrasound Techniques for Imaging of the Indeterminate Testicular Lesion May Avoid Surgery Completely. Clin. Radiol. 2010, 65, 496–497.
  7. Tenuta, M.; Sesti, F.; Bonaventura, I.; Mazzotta, P.; Pofi, R.; Gianfrilli, D.; Pozza, C. Use of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound in Testicular Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Andrology 2021, 9, 1369–1382.
  8. Pozza, C.; Gianfrilli, D.; Fattorini, G.; Giannetta, E.; Barbagallo, F.; Nicolai, E.; Cristini, C.; Di Pierro, G.B.; Franco, G.; Lenzi, A.; et al. Diagnostic Value of Qualitative and Strain Ratio Elastography in the Differential Diagnosis of Non-Palpable Testicular Lesions. Andrology 2016, 4, 1193–1203.
  9. Cantisani, V.; Di Leo, N.; Bertolotto, M.; Fresilli, D.; Granata, A.; Polti, G.; Polito, E.; Pacini, P.; Guiban, O.; Del Gaudio, G.; et al. Role of Multiparametric Ultrasound in Testicular Focal Lesions and Diffuse Pathology Evaluation, with Particular Regard to Elastography: Review of Literature. Andrology 2021, 9, 1356–1368.
  10. Dieckmann, K.-P.; Frey, U.; Lock, G. Contemporary Diagnostic Work-up of Testicular Germ Cell Tumours. Nat. Rev. Urol. 2013, 10, 703–712.
  11. Marko, J.; Wolfman, D.J.; Aubin, A.L.; Sesterhenn, I.A. Testicular Seminoma and Its Mimics: From the Radiologic Pathology Archives. Radiographics 2017, 37, 1085–1098.
  12. Song, G.; Xiong, G.-Y.; Fan, Y.; Huang, C.; Kang, Y.-M.; Ji, G.-J.; Chen, J.-C.; Xin, Z.-C.; Zhou, L.-Q. The Role of Tumor Size, Ultrasonographic Findings, and Serum Tumor Markers in Predicting the Likelihood of Malignant Testicular Histology. Asian J. Androl. 2019, 21, 196–200.
  13. Carmignani, L.; Gadda, F.; Gazzano, G.; Nerva, F.; Mancini, M.; Ferruti, M.; Bulfamante, G.; Bosari, S.; Coggi, G.; Rocco, F.; et al. High Incidence of Benign Testicular Neoplasms Diagnosed by Ultrasound. J. Urol. 2003, 170, 1783–1786.
  14. Rocher, L.; Ramchandani, P.; Belfield, J.; Bertolotto, M.; Derchi, L.E.; Correas, J.M.; Oyen, R.; Tsili, A.C.; Turgut, A.T.; Dogra, V.; et al. Incidentally Detected Non-Palpable Testicular Tumours in Adults at Scrotal Ultrasound: Impact of Radiological Findings on Management Radiologic Review and Recommendations of the ESUR Scrotal Imaging Subcommittee. Eur. Radiol. 2016, 26, 2268–2278.
  15. Yazici, S.; Del Biondo, D.; Napodano, G.; Grillo, M.; Calace, F.P.; Prezioso, D.; Crocetto, F.; Barone, B. Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer: Environment, Genes and Infections-Is It All? Medicina 2023, 59, 724.
  16. Bertolotto, M.; Muça, M.; Currò, F.; Bucci, S.; Rocher, L.; Cova, M.A. Multiparametric US for Scrotal Diseases. Abdom. Radiol. 2018, 43, 899–917.
  17. Lotti, F.; Frizza, F.; Balercia, G.; Barbonetti, A.; Behre, H.M.; Calogero, A.E.; Cremers, J.-F.; Francavilla, F.; Isidori, A.M.; Kliesch, S.; et al. The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) Ultrasound Study on Healthy, Fertile Men: An Overview on Male Genital Tract Ultrasound Reference Ranges. Andrology 2022, 10 (Suppl. S2), 118–132.
  18. Lotti, F.; Frizza, F.; Balercia, G.; Barbonetti, A.; Behre, H.M.; Calogero, A.E.; Cremers, J.-F.; Francavilla, F.; Isidori, A.M.; Kliesch, S.; et al. The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) Ultrasound Study on Healthy, Fertile Men: Prostate-Vesicular Transrectal Ultrasound Reference Ranges and Associations with Clinical, Seminal and Biochemical Characteristics. Andrology 2022, 10, 1150–1171.
  19. Lotti, F.; Frizza, F.; Balercia, G.; Barbonetti, A.; Behre, H.M.; Calogero, A.E.; Cremers, J.-F.; Francavilla, F.; Isidori, A.M.; Kliesch, S.; et al. The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) Ultrasound Study on Healthy, Fertile Men: Scrotal Ultrasound Reference Ranges and Associations with Clinical, Seminal, and Biochemical Characteristics. Andrology 2021, 9, 559–576.
  20. Lotti, F.; Frizza, F.; Balercia, G.; Barbonetti, A.; Behre, H.M.; Calogero, A.E.; Cremers, J.-F.; Francavilla, F.; Isidori, A.M.; Kliesch, S.; et al. The European Academy of Andrology (EAA) Ultrasound Study on Healthy, Fertile Men: Clinical, Seminal and Biochemical Characteristics. Andrology 2020, 8, 1005–1020.
  21. Sidhu, P.S.; Cantisani, V.; Dietrich, C.F.; Gilja, O.H.; Saftoiu, A.; Bartels, E.; Bertolotto, M.; Calliada, F.; Clevert, D.-A.; Cosgrove, D.; et al. The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for the Clinical Practice of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Non-Hepatic Applications: Update 2017 (Long Version). Ultraschall Med. 2018, 39, e2–e44.
  22. Săftoiu, A.; Gilja, O.H.; Sidhu, P.S.; Dietrich, C.F.; Cantisani, V.; Amy, D.; Bachmann-Nielsen, M.; Bob, F.; Bojunga, J.; Brock, M.; et al. The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for the Clinical Practice of Elastography in Non-Hepatic Applications: Update 2018. Ultraschall Med. 2019, 40, 425–453.
  23. Bamber, J.; Cosgrove, D.; Dietrich, C.F.; Fromageau, J.; Bojunga, J.; Calliada, F.; Cantisani, V.; Correas, J.-M.; D’Onofrio, M.; Drakonaki, E.E.; et al. EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations on the Clinical Use of Ultrasound Elastography. Part 1: Basic Principles and Technology. Ultraschall Med. 2013, 34, 169–184.
  24. Correas, J.M.; Drakonakis, E.; Isidori, A.M.; Hélénon, O.; Pozza, C.; Cantisani, V.; Di Leo, N.; Maghella, F.; Rubini, A.; Drudi, F.M.; et al. Update on Ultrasound Elastography: Miscellanea. Prostate, Testicle, Musculo-Skeletal. Eur. J. Radiol. 2013, 82, 1904–1912.
More
© Text is available under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Upload a video for this entry
Information
Subjects: Health Care Sciences & Services
Contributors MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register :
Carlotta Pozza
,
Marta Tenuta
,
Franz Sesti
,
Michele Bertolotto
,
Dean Y. Huang
,
Paul S. Sidhu
,
Mario Maggi
,
Andrea M. Isidori
,
Francesco Lotti
View Times: 335
Revisions: 3 times (View History)
Update Date: 27 Nov 2023
Table of Contents
    1000/1000
    Hot Most Recent
    Video Production Service
    Feedback