Scrotal abscess is considered to be a rare phenomenon in general practice [1] [2] [3]. This inflammatory condition usually stems from complicated infections of the scrotum, such as epididymitis and orchitis (particularly the necrotized forms), which can be caused by several bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli in younger patients; Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in sexually active individuals) and mumps virus. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. Furthermore, secondary infections with pus formation in the scrotum have been described as a consequence of the hematogenous spread of systemic infections, neglected testicular torsion, or as a complication of acute appendicitis in rare cases [1] [2] [4]. Certain congenital malformations might predispose individuals to a scrotal abscess. For example, a patent processus vaginalis can allow a passage of pus from a pyogenic process in abdominal cavity into the scrotum [2] [3]. The clinical presentation mainly consists of localized symptoms - scrotal pain that is often severe, erythema of the scrotum, and profound tenderness accompanied by heat and swelling [2]. In some patients, lower abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting may be present [2].

• Pathologist

  Although we can often differentiate them by their location, appearance, and rate of growth, we may sometimes recommend excision and further microscopic examination by a trained pathologist. [deltamedix.com]

• Rebound Tenderness of the Right Lower Quadrant

  Abdominal examination revealed tenderness and rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Temperature was 37.9 C and leucocytosis was 16,000 mm3, with left shift. [casesjournal.biomedcentral.com]

• Unilateral Blindness

  blind ending hydro ureter in males may be reflexing/obstructive, or both. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Photosensitivity

  Major adverse events include skin rash, photosensitivity, pruritus, cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma or keratoacanthoma. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Neglect

  Undiagnosed or neglected testicular torsion is another important diagnosis that predisposes the pediatric population to the development of scrotal abscess. [symptoma.com]

  Scrotal pathology often reflects intra-abdominal disease.[4,11] Necrotizing epididymorchitis and neglected perinatal torsion of testis may both result in a scrotal abscess.[11] Clinical, radiological, operative findings, and histology may all not be to [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Scrotal Pain

  Acute scrotal pain and swelling in children is commonly attributed to torsion of the testis or of the testicular appendage. However, following suppurative appendicitis, scrotal abscess secondary to a patent processus vaginalis must be considered. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  If you have scrotal pain or urinary symptoms and cannot be seen by your health care provider (or if you do not have one), then you should go to a hospital’s emergency department. [justanswer.com]

  Patients without a patent processus vaginalis or inguinal hernia at initial presentation of peritonitis must be carefully followed in the postoperative period and explored early if testicular or scrotal pain becomes manifest. [link.springer.com]

The diagnostic workup of scrotal abscess starts with a detailed clinical assessment comprised of two components - a detailed patient history that covers the course and progression of symptoms and a meticulous physical examination that identifies the source of inflammation and associated complaints. If these steps are properly performed, they should be sufficient to make a presumptive diagnosis. In fact, the scrotal tenderness experienced by patients might be severe enough to impede palpation and detailed evaluation, thus inspection of the affected scrotum is frequently enough to raise solid suspicion [2].

Because the differential diagnosis may be broad (in addition to intrascrotal infections and congenital malformations, squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum is a rare, but very important etiology of scrotal symptoms) [6], laboratory and imaging studies need to be employed. Laboratory tests can reveal leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory parameters [2]. Ultrasonography is the gold-standard for assessing scrotal pathologies and should be performed in all patients [1] [7]. Typical characteristics of scrotal abscess include fluid collection with a hypervascular margin and irregular walls [1] [5] [7]. In the case of an infection, the underlying cause should be investigated through microbiological methods.

• Treponema Pallidum

  It is a chronic bacterial infection, caused by the sexually transmitted spirochete, Treponema pallidum. Though it has drastically reduced in prevalence, its recent resurgence (especially with HIV disease) is worrying. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Pancreatic Necrosis

  In severe pancreatitis, necrosis of pancreas and surrounding tissues may occur. Acute necrotizing pancreatitis commonly presents as pancreatic abscess occasionally with systemic complications. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

We present the case of a patient experiencing extensive sterile abscess of the scrotum after nine months of treatment with vemurafenib for oligometastatic (liver) BRAF-mutant melanoma. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Stanford 2 doctors agreed: 1 1 Bartholin abscess - treatment time with antibiotics vs drainage? Dr. Julia Stanford Dr. Stanford 2 doctors agreed: Treatment time: For most abscesses, treatment is faster with drainage vs just taking an antibiotic. [healthtap.com]

When diagnosed and treated early, the condition responds very well to available treatments. However, when left untreated or when treatment is delayed, it can lead to a number of complications. The infection can become chronic. [docdoc.com.sg]

Treatment and prognosis Complications Further possible complications from an epididymal abscess rupture with focal testicular ischemia or infarction inflammatory ulceration of the efferent ductules or the ductus epididymis may allow sperm to extravasate [radiopaedia.org]

Mortality is often related to the onset of sepsis.4,5 Survival requires early recognition; immediate, aggressive surgical debridement of all necrotic tissue; and concomitant, early administration of appropriate antibiotics.1,4,5,8 Mortality risk and prognosis [mdedge.com]

Prognosis and Patient Counseling. Prognosis is highly dependent on pathology and staging of radical orchiectomy specimen. [clinicaladvisor.com]

If treated appropriately with antibiotics, epididymitis should be cured and the individual will have an excellent prognosis (outlook). The pain should improve within 1-3 days; however, swelling may take several days to resolve. [emedicinehealth.com]

A retrospective review of two cases of scrotal abscess following appendectomy at our hospital as well as a MEDLINE search was performed to review the clinical presentation, etiology, type of treatment, and outcome of these patients. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

The etiology of superficial scrotal abscess is infected hair follicles and infections of scrotal lacerations or minor scrotal surgeries. [emedicine.medscape.com]

Linguistic Variant - Portuguese, Brazil) 2015AB LNC-RU-RU (LOINC Linguistic Variant - Russian, Russia) 2015AB LNC-TR-TR (LOINC Linguistic Variant - Turkish, Turkey) 2015AB LNC-ZH-CN (LOINC Linguistic Variant - Chinese, China) 2015AB MCM (Glossary of Clinical Epidemiologic [doctor.am]

[…] epididymitis will eventually "burn out" of patient's system if left untreated, though this might take years or even decades. [5] However, some prostate -related medications have proven effective in treating chronic epididymitis, including doxazosin. [14] Epidemiology [en.wikipedia.org]

Miller, Anaphylaxis in the United States: an investigation into its epidemiology. Arch Intern Med, 2001. 161(1): p. 15-21. 28. Brady, M.T., Cellulitis of the penis and scrotum due to group B streptococcus. J Urol, 1987. 137(4): p. 736-7. 29. [ispub.com]

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of children who presented with scrotal abscess between January 2010 and March 2015, analyzed with respect to clinical features, pathophysiology of spread and management. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Sandlow, Varicocele: current concepts in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Urol Clin North Am, 2002. 29(4): p. 921-37. 10. Dreyer, G., et al., Pathogenesis of lymphatic disease in bancroftian filariasis: a clinical perspective. [ispub.com]

Patients are given broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent infection. Surgeons often leave the wound open until it heals. This requires proper wound care to prevent infection. [docdoc.com.sg]

The scrotal wound is left open and packed to prevent reoccurrence of the abscess. [emedicine.medscape.com]

Joseph MG, O'Boyle PJ: The 'hitch-stitch' and drain technique for the prevention of inguinoscrotal haematoma following complicated inguinoscrotal surgery. J R Coll Surg Edinb 1989, 34:104-105. [igmpublication.org]

Recurrent scrotal abscess requires thorough complete genitourinary evaluation and corrections of the associated anomalies early could prevent vasectomy.[3,15,16,17] Laparoscopic management of PU with disorder of sex development (DSD) and blind ending [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

1. Ramareddy RS, Alladi A. Scrotal abscess: Varied etiology, associations, and management. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg. 2016;21(4):164-168.
2. Mansoor K, Samujh R, AlAlayet YF. Scrotal abscess with a rare cause. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg. 2009;14(3):119-120.
3. Lee YC, Wu WJ, Huang SP, Tsai HN, Chou YH, Huang CH. Scrotal abscess originating from appendicitis: a case report. Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2003;19(5):242-245.
4. Dogra VS, Gottlieb RH, Rubens DJ, Liao L. Benign intratesticular cystic lesions: US features. Radiographics. 2001;21:S273-281.
5. Yusuf GT, Sidhu PS. A review of ultrasound imaging in scrotal emergencies. J Ultrasound. 2013;16(4):171-178.
6. Huen KH, Nourparvar P, DeCaro JJ, Walsh MD, Issa MM, Ritenour CWM. Scrotal Abscess as Initial Presentation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Case Rep Urol. 2013;2013:807346.
7. Horstman WG, Middleton WD, Melson GL, Siegel BA. Color Doppler US of the scrotum. Radiographics. 1991;11(6):941-957; discussion 958.