Abstract
Introduction/Objective: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a promising modality for differentiating benign and malignant lesions in various organs, including the testis. Testicular tumors, common in young men, are often treated with radical orchiectomy, which can have significant consequences. This study aimed to analyze CEUS parameters and their association with malignant testicular tumors. Materials and Methods: Between May 2009 and September 2020, 342 patients with suspected testicular lesions underwent CEUS at a tertiary referral center. Multiparametric ultrasound, including B-mode, Color Doppler, CEUS, and elastography, was performed. Exclusion criteria were the absence of a testicular lesion in the CEUS examination. Histological results, CEUS parameters, and elastography data were analyzed, and statistical correlations were evaluated using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, with multivariate logistic regression for significant findings. Results: Of the 342 patients, 114 (33.3%) had suspicious CEUS findings, and 84 underwent surgical exploration. Malignancy was confirmed in 48 cases (57.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for detecting malignancy were 93.8% and 85.2%, respectively. Contrast enhancement was observed in 93.3% of malignant tumors, but not statistically significant compared to benign lesions (p = 0.107). However, elastography revealed higher tissue stiffness in 77.8% of malignant tumors versus 41.0% in benign lesions (p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis indicated that tissue stiffness was significantly associated with malignancy (HR 8.29, 95%CI 1.26-54.58, p = 0.028). Conclusions: CEUS is a valuable tool for testicular lesion evaluation, with elastography showing strong potential in predicting malignancy through tissue stiffness. However, contrast enhancement and "wash-in/-out" were not reliable malignancy indicators. Further research is needed to standardize CEUS and elastography techniques for routine clinical use.