Hemang Kotecha DO, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eduardo Scortegagna MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Heeseop Shin MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Young Hwan Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Brief review of the radiologic anatomy of the inguinal canal and inguinal hernias. Discuss imaging findings, pitfalls, and differential diagnosis of usual and unusual contents of inguinal hernia sac.  

Although inguinal hernia is usually a clinical diagnosis, ultrasound, CT, and MRI have been increasingly used for diagnosis in clinically uncertain cases, preoperative evaluation of incarcerated hernia, and evaluation of postoperative complications. The most common cause of inguinal hernia is herniation of bowel with or without obstruction. Unusual hernia contents such as metastasis, undescended testicle, bladder, ovary, normal appendix, acute appenciditis (Amyand’s hernia), lipoma and other tumors can pose a challenge for the surgeon if not properly diagnosed before surgery. Sometimes clinical diagnosis can be challenging, such as in obese patients and in those with chronic pain of unknown etiology. Ultrasound can be valuable when performed by experienced operators, CT scan can easily diagnose strangulated hernias and related complications, and MRI can be problem solving without radiation. Therefore, it is crucial for the radiologist to be familiar with the usual and unusual imaging findings of inguinal hernias, as well as incidentally identified normal structures within the inguinal canal.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14002251/14002251_kwyu.pdf

Kotecha, H, Scortegagna, E, Shin, H, Kim, Y, Usual and Unusual Contents of Inguinal Hernia Sac: A Spectrum of Radiologic Findings.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14002251.html