An Unusual Complication of Epididymo-Orchitis: Scrotal Pyocele Extending Into the Inguinal Canal Mimicking a Strangulated Inguinal Hernia

Conservative management of scrotal pyoceles - A case series and literature review

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We describe the common presenting signs and symptoms, treatment modalities, and outcomes of acutely presenting scrotal pyoceles.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult patients treated for ultrasound-confirmed scrotal pyoceles between 2010 and 2020 at two sites within the [redacted]. Vitals at presentation, microbiology, and inpatient courses including antibiotic treatment and surgical procedures were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 360 scrotal ultrasounds were reviewed identifying 15 patients with pyoceles, 11 patients presenting to the emergency department and 4 hospitalized patients. The most common chief complaint was testicular pain (67%). Only seven patients (47%) met SIRS criteria upon presentation. All patients were initially treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and observation; 11 (73%) responded to this management alone, while four patients (27%) required surgical drainage due to persistent infection. No patients contracted Fournier's gangrene.

CONCLUSION

This study reports the largest published database of scrotal pyoceles to date and describes our clinical approach to management. While pyoceles have traditionally been treated aggressively with surgical drainage, this case series suggests that most patients improve with broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment and observation alone, requiring surgical drainage if infection persists. Future investigations including multi-institutional data will be necessary to validate our institution's approach.

More Than Just Torsion: An Unusual Case of Testicular Pain

Testicular pain has a wide differential and the nonspecific presentation should be triaged rapidly for urgent diagnosis and treatment. Scrotal pyoceles are uncommon collections of purulent fluid between the visceral and parietal tunica vaginalis, usually secondary to acute epididymo-orchitis, intra-abdominal infection, or trauma. Epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis are generally secondary to sexually transmitted infections or urinary tract pathogens. Epidymo-orchitis can compromise the testicular blood supply, leading to a microinfarction and rupture through the tunica albuginea; inflammatory and infectious material then translocate into the tunica vaginalis leading to the formation of a pyocele. Ultrasonography is the preferred method of diagnostic imaging, which can show a classic "falling snow" sign, loculations, or gas. The treatment for a scrotal pyocele is pain control, fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and early urology/general surgery consultation. In such cases, Fournier gangrene (FG) should be clinically ruled out and the presence of signs of Fournier gangrene should be met with an urgent surgical consult.

Perspective in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 24. Testicular Inflammatory Processes in Pediatric Patients

Acute scrotal pain in children represents a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. An important initial differentiation should be made between epididymitis and other processes that cause acute scrotal pain, such as testicular torsion and tumor. Infectious agents disseminating through the blood flow can damage the testis by causing orchitis. On the other hand, infections ascending via spermatic pathways typically lead to epididymitis [ 1 ].

Management of pediatric pyocele using percutaneous imaging-guided aspiration

INTRODUCTION

Pyocele of the scrotum is a rare clinical entity not well-described in the pediatric literature. With the exception of those patients who cannot undergo surgery, all published cases have been treated definitely with surgical drainage with severe cases leading to orchiectomy.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 12 day-old full-term boy with no significant medical history presented to the emergency department with a two-day history of fever, right hemiscrotal redness, swelling and discomfort. Scrotal ultrasound revealed findings consistent with an acute pyocele of the tunica vaginalis also known as an infected hydrocele. The infection was successfully managed with ultrasound-guided transcutaneous aspiration under local anesthesia.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of percutaneous aspiration of infant pyocele Pediatric patients diagnosed with acute pyocele require immediate urologic evaluation, with a consideration for surgical exploration and drainage. Unfortunately, orchiectomy may be required at the time of surgical exploration in severe cases. Percutaneous drainage is a non-operative, minimally invasive treatment modality that avoids orchiectomy and the risks of general anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous drainage avoids open surgical exploration, expedites recovery, and is performed in the absence of general anesthesia in select cases.