J Korean Soc Med Ultrasound.  1997 Sep;16(3):241-247.

Tuberculous versus Nontuberculous Epididymitis: Comparison of Ultrasonographic Findings

• Kim YJ
• Kim SH
• Kim YH
• Han D
• Yeon KM

Abstract

PURPOSE
To differentiate tuberculous and nontuberculous epididymitis, using US findings. MATERIALS & METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the sonographic findings of 16 cases (15 patients) of tuberculous epididymitis and eight cases(eight patients) of nontuberculous epididymitis. The diagnosis is made by surgery (23 cases) or clinical and sonographic follow up (one case). Tuberculosis in other organ was also analyzed.
RESULTS
The involving sites of tuberculous epididymitis were 1) diffuse(five cases), 2) tail or predominantly tail (nine cases), 3) head (one case) or body (one case). The involving sites of nontuberculous epididymitis were 1) diffuse (three cases), 2) tail or tail predominantly (three cases), 3) head (one case) or body (one case). In the cases of tuberculous epididymitis, heterogeneous hypoechogenicity was found in 15 cases and heterogeneous hyperechogenicity in one case. In the cases of nontuberculous epididymitis, four cases showed heterogeneous hypoechogenicity and the others showed homogenous hypoechogenicity. Extrascrotal tuberculosis were found in nine patient with tuberculous epididymitis, and in only one patient with nontuberculous epididymitis.
CONCLUSION
The sonographic findings of tuberculous and nontuberculous epididymitis can be different. US findins of predominatly involved epididymal tail with heterogeneous hypoechogenicity and tuberculosis in extrascrotal organ can be useful in differential diagnosis of tuberculous epididymitis from nontuberculous epididymitis.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Epididymitis*
Follow-Up Studies
Head
Humans
Male
Orchitis
Retrospective Studies
Tuberculosis
Ultrasonography