Maturational changes in arterial impedance of the normal testis in boys: Doppler sonographic study.

Abstract

Mean testicular RI in our samples of pubertal and postpubertal boys is decreased compared with the mean RI in prepubertal boys. Diastolic arterial flow may not be detectable in normal testes with volumes of 4 cm3 or less. Despite the existence of a statistically significant difference in mean RI between prepubertal and pubertal/postpubertal testes, substantial variability exists within each group, particularly among the prepubertal testes. Norms of testicular flow previously established for adults are therefore not routinely applicable to prepubertal boys with testicular volumes less than 4 cm3. However, RI values in normal pubertal and postpubertal boys where testicular volumes exceed 4 cm3 are comparable to those previously described in adults.