Home > Encyclopedia of Medicine > Scrotal Nuclear Medicine Scan

Definition

Scrotal nuclear medicine scan is a study of the blood circulation in the scrotum using radioactive contrast agent to highlight obstruction.

Purpose

This test is used almost exclusively to differentiate infection in the testis (testicle) from twisting and infarction. Infection is called epididymitis because it mostly involves a collection of tubules on top of the testicle called the epididymis. Twisting of the testis shuts off its blood supply and is called testicular torsion. Both conditions cause a very painful, swollen testis on one side. Both occur most often in young men, although infection usually occurs at a slightly greater age. The infection increases the blood supply, and the torsion cuts off the blood supply. This is an ideal situation for a blood...