Continuous arterial spin-labeling perfusion magnetic resonance imaging of the human testis

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if continuous arterial spin-labeling perfusion magnetic resonance imaging could be used to detect testicular perfusion in human subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Continuous arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance perfusion imaging was performed in seven normal male volunteers and in one patient with a painful scrotum following vasectomy. RESULTS: Normal testicular blood flow was demonstrated in 14 of 14 normal testes in seven volunteers, as well as in two normally perfused testes in the post-vasectomy patient. A change in the steady state magnetization was observed in all of the normally perfused testes of the seven volunteers. CONCLUSION: It is possible to detect blood flow to the normally perfused testes using noninvasive spin-labeling perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. This modality could potentially, in future investigations, be used to image patients with suspected testicular torsion and resultant testicular ischemia.