Comparison of computed tomography with high-resolution real-time ultrasound in the localization of the impalpable undescended testis.

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Abstract
Localization of an undescenced testis was attempted in 23 instances in 20 patients using computed tomography (CT) and high-resolution real-time ultrasonography. The testis was identified and correctly localized 16 times by CT and 15 times by ultrasound. There was 1 false-negative diagnosis by CT and 2 by ultrasound. False-positive diagnoses were not made with either modality in the 6 cases in which the testis was not found during exploratory surgery. CT showed 94% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 96% accuracy; ultrasound resulted in 88% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 91% accuracy. High-resolution real-time ultrasound is recommended as the modality of choice for this procedure because it is simple, accurate and avoids the use of ionizing radiation. CT may be used when ultrasound findings are negative or equivocal. Angiography should rarely be required.