Testicular blood flow in experimental torsion and epididymo-orchitis measured by 133Xe clearance technique in rabbits

Summary Testicular blood flow was measured by intratesticular injection of ¹³³Xe both under control conditions and in experimental 720 degree intravaginal torsion (10 rabbits) and in epididymo-orchitis (5 rabbits). The results were statistically compared with each other. The blood flow was 35.8±13.7 ml/100 g/min to the right testis and 35.4±12.7 ml/100 g/min to the left testis under control conditions. The blood flow decreased to 16% and 8% of the control values 1 h and 8 h after torsion respectively. In epididymo-orchitis testicular blood flow stayed within normal limits. There was a significant difference in blood flow between the torsion and epididymo-orchitis groups (p<0.001). Further investigation in man will demonstrate whether the ¹³³Xe clearance method can be used in the differential diagnosis of these two pathologies.