Technical Refinement of 99mTc-RBC Scrotal Scan for Evaluating Varicocele / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: The association of varicoceles and subfertility has been well documented. Although varicoceles remain the most common surgically correctable cause of male infertility the subjective diagnosis of varicocele, especially the small ones remains a challenge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 40 young men (16 volunteers, 24 varicocele patients) with scrotal blood pool scan using 99mTc RBC. RESULTS: Complete correlation between physical findings and the scrotal scan was found. The postoperative scans of 12 patients with surgically corrected high grade varicoceles demonstrated symmetrical photon accumulation in the scrotum. The technique which most accurately correlated the clinical grade was the varicocele index using total count at Valsalva maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the 99mTc RBC scrotal scan with technical refinement is a useful procedure in the objective diagnosis and followup of varicoceles.

A Study of Scrotal Scan in the Diagnosis of Varicocele / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Scrotal scan is a new diagnostic method for accurate and reliable interpretation of varicocele. Method of diagnosing the varicocele, including careful physical examination using a Valsalva maneuver as well as a Doppler stethoscope, remain somewhat subjective. Venography, while a reliable and objective technique, is invasive and not without morbidity. In the present study, 25 patients with clinically detectable varicoceles of various. sizes were studied preoperatively and postoperatively by scrotal scan using 99rn Tc-labeled human serum albumin in the Department of Urology, Capital Armed Forces General Hospital during the period from October 1981 to June 1982. Information from scrotal radionuclide image was well correlated with the clinical and the venographic findings. Scrotal scan is a useful method for the detection of varicocele and follow up after varicocelectomy.