Diffusion‐Weighted and Magnetization Transfer Imaging in Testicular Spermatogenic Function Evaluation: Preliminary Results

Purpose To assess the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion‐weighted MRI (DWI) and magnetization transfer MRI (MTI) in evaluating male infertility. Materials and Methods Sixteen men with testicular spermatogenesis hypofunction confirmed by percutaneous testis biopsy and 31 volunteers (control group B, age range: 20–40 years) with normal semen analysis including younger (By, n = 15, age range: 20–30 years) and older (Bo, n = 16, age range: 31–40 years) men underwent pelvic 3T MRI, including DWI and MTI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) were compared. Results The ADCs in 32 testes of 16 patients (0.497 ± 0.037 × 10‐3 mm2/s) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of control group B (0.460 ± 0.031 × 10‐3 mm2/s), group By (0.453 ± 0.018 × 10‐3 mm2/s), and group Bo (0.461 ± 0.034 × 10‐3 mm2/s), whereas the MTRs were significantly lower than that of group B (16.14 ± 4.20), group By (17.88 ± 2.00), and group Bo (15.09 ± 4.28) (P < 0.001). Conclusion Functional MRI, including DWI and MTI, appears promising for evaluating male infertility with higher ADC and lower MTR in testicular spermatogenesis hypofunction. Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:186–190.