Diagnostic accuracy of POCUS for assessment of testicular torsion

Report By: Kyle W Eastwood - Resident Physician
Search checked by Kyle W Eastwood - Resident Physician
Institution: Dalhousie University
Date Submitted: 17th April 2021
Last Modified: 29th July 2021
Status: Blue (submitted but not checked)

Three Part Question

In [a male patient presenting with Acute Scrotum] who undergoes [point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to identify testicular torsion] what is the [diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity)] compared to formal diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) or surgical exploration under anesthesia?

Clinical Scenario

A 14-year-old male presents to the emergency department at 3 A.M. after awakening suddenly from sleep with severe right sided groin pain. A clinical exam of the genitourinary system, with chaperone, is grossly normal, however the cremaster reflex on the right side is equivocal.
You recognize that testicular torsion is an emergent diagnosis on the differential of Acute Scrotum and speak with the Radiologist on Call to arrange a formal ultrasound. The Radiologist asks if you have performed a POCUS?
As you hang-up the phone, you wonder 'what is the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS for testicular torsion?'