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Theriogenology2004; 61(5); 799-810; doi: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00227-9

Color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of testicular blood flow in stallions.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential use of color Doppler ultrasound to characterize blood flow to the stallion testis, and to establish reference values for Doppler measures of blood flow in the testicular artery of the stallion. Both testes from each of 52 horses were examined using a pulsed-wave color Doppler ultrasound with a sector array 5/7.5 MHz transducer with a 1mm gate setting. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) of the testicular artery were measured in each of two locations, the convoluted aspect (spermatic cord) and the marginal aspect of the artery (on the epididymal edge of testis). We found that: (1) all measures were obtainable; (2) except for EDV, the majority of the measures were higher at the cord location than at the marginal aspect of the artery (P < 0.05); and (3) measures for left and right testes were similar (P > 0.10). Resulting measures from 41 of these stallions (82 testes) that appeared free of testicular pathology provide useful reference values for clinical evaluation. Evaluation of 11 cases with testicular pathology suggested further investigation of possible effects of these various conditions on testicular blood flow and testicular function.
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Publication Date: 2004-02-06 PubMed ID: 14757466DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00227-9Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research study evaluated the use of color Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow to the testicles in stallions and to establish reference values. It found that Doppler measures were reliable and differed between different parts of the testicular artery, and that these measures were centered in the stallions that were free of testicular diseases.

Research Methodology

  • The study involved a sample of 52 horses, where both testes from each horse were examined using a pulsed-wave color Doppler ultrasound with a 5/7.5 MHz sector array transducer and a 1mm gate setting.
  • The Doppler measures recorded included the Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI). These measures were taken in the spermatic cord and on the epididymal edge of the testis which are referred to as the convoluted and marginal aspects of the testicular artery respectively.

Findings

  • All the Doppler measures were successfully obtained indicating that the methodology is reliable.
  • Except for EDV, the other measures (PSV, RI, PI) were higher in the convoluted aspect (spermatic cord) than in the marginal aspect of the artery (on the epididymal edge of testis).
  • The measurements for the left and right testes of the stallions were similar suggesting consistency in the flow of blood within an individual’s reproductive system.
  • The Doppler measures from 41 horses (out of the 52) that showed no signs of testicular diseases were used to establish reference values. These values can be used for clinical evaluations in the future.

Implications and Future Work

  • The study shows that color Doppler ultrasound is a viable option to evaluate blood flow to the testes in stallions. This can be crucial in diagnosing and treating testicular diseases in the future.
  • This study will provide the groundwork for more research to investigate the impacts of various testicular conditions to the blood flow and overall reproductive functionality in stallions.

Cite This Article

APA
Pozor MA, McDonnell SM. (2004). Color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of testicular blood flow in stallions. Theriogenology, 61(5), 799-810. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00227-9

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 0093-691X
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 61
Issue: 5
Pages: 799-810

Researcher Affiliations

Pozor, M A
  • Department of Animal Reproduction, University of Agriculture, Krakow, Poland. pozorm@mail.vetmed.ufl.edu
McDonnell, S M

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Arteries
    • Blood Flow Velocity
    • Diastole
    • Horses / physiology
    • Male
    • Reference Values
    • Testis / blood supply
    • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / veterinary
    • Vascular Resistance

    Citations

    This article has been cited 29 times.
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