Using gadolinium-infusion MR venography to show the impalpable testis in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the adjunctive value of gadolinium-infusion MR venography to locate the impalpable testis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Routine MR imaging and MR venography were performed in 34 patients presenting with impalpable testis. MR venography was performed by dynamic injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine bismethylamide with images taken at delayed venous phases. The site of the testis was determined by detection of the contrast-enhanced pampiniform venous plexus. RESULTS. A total of 44 impalpable testes were examined. Twenty-six hypoplastic canalicular testes, two testes at pelvic skinfold, four atrophic testes in the scrotum, and five intrabdominal testes were detected on both routine MR imaging and MR venography. Five "vanishing" testes in the scrotum and two at the groin region were detected by MR venography but not on MR imaging. CONCLUSION. Gadolinium-infusion MR venography is superior to MR imaging in the detection of atrophic testes. The method is a useful adjunct in patients with negative MR imaging findings.