Surgically Confirmed Intra- and Extratesticular Hematoma Clinically Mimicing Epididymo-Orchitis and Radiologically Mimicing Traumatic Torsion

Testicular Rupture: The Other Nutcracker Syndrome

Scrotal trauma is a rare incident but when it occurs it is typically among 6 to 12 years old boys. It is most commonly unilateral secondary to compression of the scrotal contents against the pubic bone. The majority of trauma to the scrotal region is blunt impact but serious injuries are rare despite the vulnerable position of the testicles. The combination of the cremasteric reflex and mobility/strength of the tunica albuginea contribute to reducing occurrences. However, serious injury can occur when the testicle is trapped against the pubic bone, varying from minimal extravasation to complete parenchymal destruction. Testicular rupture is a rare injury characterized by rupture of the tunica albuginea resulting in exposure of the seminiferous tubules. Prompt evaluation of these patients is crucial as a delay in surgical care may lead to loss of the injured testicle. We present a case of acute testicular rupture in an active duty male followed by a review of the literature.

Isolated extratesticular hematoma from intraoperative positioning during lumbar spinal surgery

Scrotal injury is present in less than 1% of all trauma-related injuries. Traumatic injuries of the scrotum are most commonly seen in penetrating or blunt injury but may also occur after iatrogenic causes such as in the intraoperative setting. We report a case of an isolated extratesticular hematoma incurred after scrotal trauma from prone intraoperative positioning during lumbar spinal surgery. Ultrasound performed following the procedure revealed an extratesticular hematoma without evidence of coexisting testicular injury. This case highlights an atypical insult to the scrotum and reinforces the need to ensure adequate positioning to prevent this postoperative complication.

Sneeze and pop: a ruptured varicocele; analysis of literature, guided by a well-documented case-report

Background

An acute scrotal hematoma, secondary to a spontaneous rupture of a varicocele is still a rare presentation in daily practice. However, multiple case reports have been reported. Sudden increase in abdominal pressure, resulting to an increased venous pressure can lead to a rupture of the varicocele. Literature search shows that due to uncertainty of the diagnosis, explorative surgery is often performed, sometimes resulting in unnecessary orchiectomies. The objective of this study was to determine classical clinical presentation of patients with a spontaneous rupture of a varicocele, determine the diagnostic procedure, and give an insight in the follow-up.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 24-year old male with acute scrotal swelling after sneezing. Subsequently, we carried out a systematic literature search to identify all eligible studies to determine classic clinical presentation of spontaneous ruptures of a varicocele.

Conclusion

The literature search shows that clinical presentation of idiopathic spontaneous scrotal hematomas is similar to testicular torsion, epididymo-orchitis, malignancy, or (incarcerated) inguinal hernia making differential diagnosis difficult. Especially when there has been increased abdominal pressure or strenuous activity preceding the symptoms, and the swelling is left sided, it should be included in the differential diagnosis for patient with acute inguinoscrotal swelling. Colour Doppler-Ultrasonography is recommended to distinguish between other causes of acute scrotum. The hematoma is usual self-limiting, justifying conservative treatment. Early surgical intervention is indicated with signs of ischaemia due to obstruction, infection of the hematoma, or uncertain diagnosis (i.e. malignancy). However, physicians should be cautious with direct exploration, as it led to unnecessary orchiectomy in 25% of patients. The hematoma can increase in size up to 3 months post-event, and it can take up to 15 months to completely resolve.