Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, most commonly caused by bacterial infection, and it is one of the most frequent causes of acute scrotal pain in adult men. On ultrasound, the affected epididymis appears enlarged and hypoechoic compared to the normal side, and color Doppler shows markedly increased blood flow reflecting the inflammatory response. Additional findings may include reactive hydrocele, thickening of the scrotal wall, and sometimes involvement of the adjacent testis, a condition called epididymo-orchitis. Ultrasound is essential in evaluating acute scrotal pain because it can distinguish epididymitis, which is treated with antibiotics, from testicular torsion, which requires emergency surgery.
Sonography Term