Ultrasound of the Testis for Infertility Analysis in Male Animals

Ultrasound of the testis for infertility analysis is a non-invasive imaging technique used to evaluate the structure, size, and internal characteristics of the testes and surrounding scrotal structures in males experiencing infertility. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing underlying causes of male infertility.

B-mode ultrasonography of bull testes was first described by Pechman and Eilts in 1987.

Diagnosis of scrotal or testicular disease may be aided by B-mode real-time ultrasound using a 5-MHz probe. Normal parenchyma of testes are homogeneous and moderately echogenic.

The mediastinum testis is a readily identifiable hyperechoic area in the center of the testicle when viewed in the transverse plane or a hyperechoic line when viewed in the sagittal plane.

The mediastinum testis is normally less than 5 mm wide.

The parenchyma consists primarily of convoluted seminiferous tubules that contain the sustentacular (Sertoli) and germinal cells but also includes the adjacent interstitial (Leydig) cells along with associated vascular, neural, and stromal tissues.

Changes in the ultrasonic appearance of the testis parenchyma can reflect normal events around puberty as well as pathology.

An increase in echogenicity (increased pixel intensity, or a whiter parenchyma) seems to be a better predictor of future semen quality than the present status of the bull.

The majority of the discrete ultrasonographic changes detected in the testis are more hyperechoic (Either localized or scattered) than normal tissue.

Tumors are generally more hyperechoic than the normal testis parenchyma but mixed or hypoechoic echogenicity is also possible.

The head, body and tail of the epididymis are less echogenic than the testicle and are readily identified as they course along the testicle.

Thickness of the scrotal skin and vaginal tunics and the presence of fluid within the vaginal cavity are readily determined.