Inguinoscrotal Pathology on Computed Tomography: An Alternative Perspective

Computed tomography (CT) is not the imaging technique of choice to assess inguinoscrotal pathology, as magnetic resonance or ultrasonography have superior soft tissue contrast resolution and do not involve gonadal exposure to ionizing radiation. However, testicular and inguinoscrotal pathology may be found both as an extension of intra-abdominal processes or incidentally on CT scans requested for other reasons. CT also plays a role in the evaluation of testicular injury when associated to pelvic trauma and in perineal infections with scrotal extension. A pictorial review of testicular and inguinoscrotal involvement in vascular, neoplastic, traumatic, infectious, or inflammatory diseases and in complications of abdominal surgeries is presented. Additionally, the CT appearance of several congenital anomalies and benign processes is depicted. (C) 2016 Canadian Association of Radiologists. All rights reserved.