Varicocele

When the veins draining the testis and epididymis are dilated, ultrasound will demonstrate multiple tortuous, tubular, hypoechogenic structures around the periphery of the testis, which is often smaller than the normal testis. Varicocele is more common on the left side: there may be associated infertility. The underlying testis must be scanned to exclude a tumor and varicocele must be differentiated from spermatocele. A Valsalva manoeuvre will often cause the veins to dilate.