Testicular abscess: diagnosis by ultrasonography.

We reviewed 8 cases of surgically proved testicular abscess with emphasis upon the ultrasonographic findings. The images were correlated with testicular anatomy and the pathological findings of abscess formation. In 3 of 8 patients undergoing serial high resolution ultrasound examinations a consistent pattern of testicular abscess was present 1 to 7 weeks preoperatively. In the remaining 5 patients preoperative ultrasound documented the presence of abscess. Recognition of the ultrasonographic appearance of testicular abscess should permit expedient surgical intervention.