Non-contact infrared thermography of the scrotum in the diagnosis of varicocele

Introduction. Infrared thermography for medical purposes began to be applied in Germany in 1952. Thermography for the diagnosis of varicocele has been applied since 1970. The criteria for the diagnosis of varicocele according to the results of the thermography have changed over time and are still the subject of discussion. The purpose of this study was to determine the informative value of contactless infrared thermography of the scrotum in the diagnosis of varicocele. Materials and methods of research. From April 2017 to March 2018, we examined 70 patients with an incoming diagnosis of varicocele. The diagnosis of varicocele was verified according to the examination and confirmed by scrotal doppler echography and non-contact infrared thermography of the scrotum. The age of patients ranged from 19 to 71 years and averaged 35.5 years. Results. The analysis of the obtained data showed that the most representative for assessing the thermal abnormality of the scrotal skin was the determination of temperature in the projection of the spermatic cord. It was noted that the performance of traditional ultrasound of the scrotum organs is much less representative than conducting contactless infrared thermography of the scrotum in the diagnosis of varicocele. The conclusion. The obtained facts served as a reason for the revision of ultrasound and thermographic criteria for varicocele diagnosis. As a result of the study, it was shown that bilateral varicocele is more prevalent, in contrast to the generally accepted point of view.