[Acute scrotum in children].

Abstract

Acute scrotum in a child is common, and the main underlying conditions are torsion of intrascrotal appendages, epididymitis, testicular torsion and idiopathic scrotal edema. The main diagnostic aim is to confirm or rule out testicular torsion, since this may lead to irreversible ischemia within hours. The diagnostics can be difficult, especially in prepubertal boys, but consist of a thorough history and clinical examination, the use of a clinical prediction score, and sometimes ultrasound with doppler. However, none of these tools can with completely accuracy rule out a testicular torsion, and uncertainty should prompt an acute scrotal exploration. The treatment of a testicular torsion is detorsion and bilateral orchidopexy, or unilateral orchidectomy in case of a completely necrotic testicle. Treatment of the other underlying conditions is often only symptomatic, and follow-up is often not required.