- In the pre-pubescent testis, flow can be difficult to identify. Low PRF, colour gain approaching saturation, and light probe pressure are required.
- Post pubescent testes should have readily identifiable venous and arterial scattered flow.
Torsion: Absent flow in one testis when flow is readily visible in the other is suggestive of torsion.
Orchitis: Diffusely increase flow in the testis. If is increased in both the testis and epididymis, it is epididymo-orchitis.
Infarct: Segmental absence of flow. Usually post trauma. There will also be segmental heterogeneity on B-mode.
- Obtain a spectral doppler trace of both arterial and venous flow in the setting of suspected torsion. This may assist in the diagnosis of partial torsion, or tort/untort.
- There are suggestions that resistive indices in intralobar arteries will be elevated (>.75) in the intermittent torsion group.
PITFALLS: Flow must be intratesticular. Not just capsular.