Scrotal abscess: Varied etiology, associations, and management

Pitfalls and Practical Challenges in Imaging of the Pediatric Scrotum

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound is the modality of choice for evaluation of the pediatric scrotum, as it provides excellent image quality without the use of radiation, need for sedation/anesthesia, or use of contrast material and can be used for serial examination. Ultrasound of the scrotum has proven to be useful for assessment of a wide gamut of congenital, infectious, inflammatory, endocrine, neoplastic, and traumatic abnormalities in pediatric patients of all ages from the tiniest premature infant to a fully grown young adult. This review article presents a varied spectrum of conditions that may affect the pediatric scrotum, what the radiologist needs to know to meet the challenge of limiting the differential diagnosis, and how to avoid pitfalls when imaging the scrotum.

Scrotal abscess due to urethral fistula in spinal cord injured patient with prolonged indwelling urinary catheter

We report a case of scrotal abscess due to urethral fistula in a paraplegic patient with spinal cord injury. On clinical examination, an urinary catheters was placed, and the left scrotal area were swollen, redness and painless. Retrograde urethrography suggested an urethral fistula with extension spreading of contrast medium into the scrotum. The case was diagnosed as urethral fistula with scrotal abscess. The patient was successfully treated with cystostomy, scrotal incision, and pus drainage. Early detection and proper management provide opportunities to improve the outcome of this disease.

A Rare Cause of a Scrotal Abscess due to the Symbiotic Infection of Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia in an Adult Male

Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis) is the major bacteria detected in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Prevotella bivia (P. bivia) has been demonstrated to show a symbiotic relationship with G. vaginalis. Some men have been shown to be colonized with G. vaginalis in their urogenital or anorectal tracts, however genitourinary infections in males, including balanitis and urethritis, due to this organism appear to be much less common. In this report, we summarize previous cases of men with G. vaginalis infection, and we present a rare and unusual case of a unilateral scrotal abscess caused by G. vaginalis in co-infection with P. bivia.

Urethral syringocele: unseen but existing

BACKGROUND

Bulbourethral syringocele is an uncommon and under-diagnosed condition most commonly seen in the paediatric population, although there is increasing recognition in adults. Due to the difficulty in diagnosis, we report our experience of urethral syringocele in a quaternary paediatric hospital, with differing presentations, diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of seven cases of children over a period of 14 years, including their presentations, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. A review of the current literature is presented.

RESULTS

The median age of these seven cases at presentation was 11 years (6 days to 16 years). Clinical features varied with age, with obstructive uropathy in a neonate, urinary tract infection in an infant, scrotal abscess in two children and lower urinary tract obstructive symptoms in three teenagers. Diagnostic voiding cystogram diagnosed the majority of syringoceles and two were seen on magnetic resonance imaging. Five boys underwent endoscopic transurethral deroofing and two children required transperineal marsupialization. Long-term follow-up showed all had complete resolution of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Urethral syringocele presents from the neonatal period to late adolescence, with the presenting features reflective of age. Surgical management can be performed endoscopically or by open approach. Awareness of this condition and inclusion in the differential diagnosis, particularly in the setting of an atypical or recurrent scrotal abscess, could avoid a prolonged therapeutic course.

Long term follow up of proximal hypospadias repair-urethral stricture should be excluded in adults who present with epididymo-orchitis

Objective

Epididymo-orchitis (EO) is a well-known complication of urinary tract infections (UTI) in children. This is commonly seen in children who had hypospadias repair or in those who had surgery for anorectal malformation especially when it results in urethral stricture. However EO occurring as a complication of urethral stricture in adults operated for hypospadias in childhood is not well documented in the literature.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective review of four adults who had proximal hypospadias repair in childhood. All four men presented to us with EO. They were thoroughly investigated to rule out presence of urethral stricture.

Results

Three patients had urethral stricture of which two responded well to dilatation and one required cystoscopy and visual internal urethrotomy. The fourth patient did not have urethral stricture. EO in this patient is thought to be due to excessive straining during micturition causing reflux into seminal vesicles.

Conclusion

Urethral stricture should be excluded in any adult who had a hypospadias repair and presents with EO. Urethral strictures after hypospadias surgery respond well to dilatation and to endoscopic urethrotomy.