IMPACT OF VARICOCELE ON INTRATESTICULAR VASCULAR RESISTANCE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
IMPACT OF VARICOCELE ON INTRATESTICULAR VASCULAR RESISTANCE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL DOPPLER STUDY
IRAS ID
363708
Contact name
Muhammad Salman Rafique
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Basildon University Hospital, MSE
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Intratesticular Doppler imaging targets the assessment of the arterial vasculature, measuring the vascular resistance and perfusion directly within the testicular parenchyma. Parameters such as resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) offer a comprehensive overview of the microvascular environment, potentially hinting at subtle changes in testicular function before overt clinical deterioration [3].
Studies have concluded that elevated RI values are adversely related to spermatogenesis and testicular volume, thus predict a possible place for intratesticular Doppler in prognostication and treatment planning [4].
Recent investigations have provided some insight into the diagnostic and prognostic value of intratesticular arterial Doppler parameters especially RI and PSV. Bertolotto et al. (2019) emphasized the importance of standardized Doppler techniques and concluded that elevated RI values may reflect compromised arterial inflow due to venous congestion, affecting testicular function [5]. Lotti et al. (2021) stated that increased intratesticular RI is directly related to reduced testosterone levels [6]. According to Dalili et al. (2021), patients with clinical varicocele had a remarkably higher intratesticular RI than the controls, and these values normalised following surgical treatment of varicoceles [7].
Despite these interesting prospects, intratesticular Doppler remains underexplored in routine varicocele assessment. The paucity of data regarding intratesticular Doppler findings particularly in context of testicular volume and function including semen quality places it in a grey area that needs further validation. Thus, the latest European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) does not include this as a part of routine assessment owing to lack of data.
This study, therefore, aims to bridge this gap by thoroughly evaluating intratesticular Doppler indices in patients with clinical varicoceles, trying to establish a relationship with testicular volume and fertility markers. Clinicians can benefit by incorporating the intratesticular Doppler into the diagnostic algorithm and modify the interventions more efficiently.REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0243
Date of REC Opinion
16 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion