Torsed and Nontorsed Inguinal Undescended Testis: Comparison of Computed Tomography Findings

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the computed tomography imaging features of a torsed inguinal testis with nontorsed inguinal testes. Methods: Computed tomography scans of patients with undescended testes were retrospectively collected (2011-2016). Imaging features of nontorsed undescended testis were compared with a case of an inguinal torsed testis. Observations included location of the undescended testis, size (length x width) and texture of each testis, peritesticular findings, position of testicular vessels, and enhancement patterns. Results: Twelve nontorsed inguinal undescended testes were compared with 1 torsed undescended testicle. Torsed testis was larger than nontorsed (44 x 27 mm vs 32.9 +/- 6.1 x 22.9 +/- 4.9 mm), surrounded by fat stranding and fluid, with heterogeneous texture, enhancement of its outer layers, and an upward kink of its vessels. Conclusions: Because torsed undescended testis can mimic a groin abscess and because torsion is a medical emergency, radiologists should be aware of this entity and its distinguishing imaging features. Color Doppler examination can ascertain absence/reduction of blood flow.