Evaluation of Testicular Vasculature in Stallions

Abstract

Vascular disorders play an important role in male infertility. Various modalities of ultrasound examination can be applied to evaluate testicular vasculature and to objectively measure numerous parameters of testicular perfusion. This paper describes techniques of ultrasound examination of testicular vasculature in the stallion, using gray-scale, color, and power Doppler ultrasound. Results of studies on the normal vascular anatomy in the stallion and its variations, the methods of obtaining most optimal measures of testicular perfusion, and the effects of the physiological and pharmacological factors on testicular blood flow are reviewed. There is a growing body of evidence that evaluation of testicular vasculature has a tremendous clinical relevance and should be included in the diagnostic workup of scrotal diseases.