Ultrasound Findings of Acute Idiopathic Scrotal Edema

Ultrasound Findings of Acute Idiopathic Scrotal Edema

A. Craig Thomas
Mark P. Cain
Anthony J. Casale
Richard C. Rink

Department of Urology, Indiana University School Of Medicine
Corresponding Author:Mark P. Cain, MDRiley Hospital for Children
Suite 1739702 Barnhill DriveIndianapolis, IN 46202
mpcain@iupui.edu
(317)274-7446Fax: (317) 274-7481

Idiopathic scrotal edema is an uncommon cause of acute scrotal problems in children. This is a diagnosis that can be confirmed with color Doppler ultrasound, thus obviating the need for surgical exploration.1-4 Although the literature documents the benefit of Doppler ultrasound in identifying blood flow to the testis in these patients, there is little mentioned with regards to the scrotal wall changes on ultrasound.5-7

We submit ultrasound findings in three boys that presented to us with characteristic findings of idiopathic scrotal edema, each of which had significant scrotal wall subcutaneous edema on ultrasound examination.All three patients presented with acute onset of scrotal swelling and erythema. Scrotal ultrasound demonstrated similar findings in all three patients, including normal appearing testicular parenchyma and excellent blood flow to both testes. There was significant peritesticular edema with the appearance of considerable fluid in the scrotal wall (see Figure 1 and 2), with marked thickening of the subcutaneous tissues.

There was also a significant increase in the vascularity of the scrotal skin and subcutaneous tissues. One patient was admitted overnight for IV antibiotics due to the severity of the scrotal wall edema. Two patients received oral Benadryl for the presumed diagnosis of idiopathic scrotal edema. Recovery was uncomplicated, with complete resolution of symptoms within 48 hours in all 3 patients. The findings of significant scrotal wall edema on ultrasound examination of patients with idiopathic scrotal edema are most likely underreported in the literature. This is consistent with the disease process and together with findings of normal testicular blood flow, would assist in confirming the diagnosis in patients with suspected idiopathic scrotal edema, and permit conservative management with the avoidance of unnecessary scrotal exploration.

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Journal of Urology