Acute epididymo-orchitis^[1] perceived as a clinical syndrome^[2], is a set of medical symptoms and signs that are correlated with each other, and often with a specific disease, characterized by pain, swelling and inflammation of the epididymis, with/without inflammation of the testes^[3]. Local urethral extension is the most common route of infection, which may primarily be due to Gono-or non-gonococcal infection spreading from the urethra and /or from the bladder^[4]. Although orchitis, an infection limited only to the testis is infrequent, may be an associated feature. There seemed to have been a steady decline in the prevalence of the condition in the recent past^[5]. It is, therefore, considered, worthwhile to re-visit the entity to create an-awareness amongst the practitioners, about the condition the acute scrotum^[6].

Case Report

  A 47-years-married man with single partner was admitted in the ‘indoors’ with spontaneous onset of severe pain and swelling confined to the left side of the scrotum. It was attended by sero-purulent, yellow-green discharge from the penis, burning, pain, urinary frequency and urgency (dysuria) and itching since March 3, 2015. He also had low grade fever. Ever-since the symptoms were on the increase without any perceptible relief. There was neither any history of extra-marital sex nor instrumentation/ catheterization.

  Physical examination of the genitals was marked by erythema, edema and pigmentation of the skin of the scrotum apparent as well-circumscribed, oblong swelling. It was unilateral, and confined only to its left side (Figure 1,2) affecting the epididymis, vas deferens and testis. It was firmed and excruciatingly tender on palpation. The External urinary meatus was swollened, red and tender. Transillumination test for the hydrocele of the scrotum was negative.

Figure 1: Acute Scrotum depicting erythema, edema and swelling.

Figure 2: Acute Scrotum displaying erythema, edema and swelling of the scrotum skin confined to left side.

  Investigations Gram-stained smear prepared from urethral discharge from urethra was negative for gram-negative intra-and extra cellular diplococci, the Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was non-reactive. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was negative.

Culture and Sensitivity
  Escherichia Coli ( E.Coli) was recovered from the urethral discharge / urine examination on culture on LB broth (Sigma-Aldrich). It was found to be sensitive to Co-trimoxazole, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin, Levofloxacin, azithromycin, amikacin, ceftizoxime, piperacillin/tazobactum and imipenem. Culture for Chlamydia trachomatis did not yield any growth on transport media.

Ultrasonography ^[7]
  High resolution ultrasonography of the testis was performed to evaluate its status, using high frequency 11Mhz (Mega-HertZ) linear probe; the left testis was normal in size, shape and echo-pattern. Loculated fluid was seen in tunica vaginalis with multiple thin septations. Left spermatic cord was thickened and heterogeneous. Increased vascularity was conspicuous (funiculitis). Left epididmymis size was enlarged, hypo-echoic with increased vascularity. No evidence of dilated veins was seen. Right testis was normal.

  Treatment Levofloxacin (Levotas) 0.5 % W/v in 500 mg/100 ml infusion by slow intravenous (I.V) infusion, BDS, twice daily for ten injections spread over period of 5 days. This treatment was supplemented by oral administration of uriliser (Citric acid/sodium citrate and potassium citrate) 5 ml twice a day, and urispas (Flavoxate HCl) in dosage of 200 mg twice a day for 5 days. The response to the treatment was evident by slow regression of symptoms and signs during the follow- up period.

Discussion

  Epididymo-orchitis is a well-recognized complication of NGU in men^[1-3]. It is a combination of epididymitis and orchitis. The former is an inflammation of the epididymis, along coiled tube in the testicles that helps store, and transport sperms, while the latter is an inflammation of the testis. It affects fewer than 1 in 100 men with NGU. Nevertheless, acute scrotum^[6] is one of the dreaded emergencies in practice^[4]. The case under review documents its presenting clinical features, which are required to be addressed expeditiously to alleviate patient’s suffering. Furthermore, emergency evaluation of the patient presenting with acute scrotum using bedside Ultrasonography is imperative. Torsion of testis, hernia, hydrocele, varicocele and genital elephantiasis^[8] should be considered and excluded accordingly. It is, therefore, relevant to recall anatomy of the male genitals^[9] including the scrotum at this point in time through sketch (Figure 3) which should prove informative to comprehend the entity, complications and its ultimate management.

Figure 3: Anatomy of male genitals

  Infection of the urinary tract in men over 35 years is most often due to Gram-negative enteric organisms, E.Coli and Pseudomonas, specific risk factors being recent instrumentation or catheterization,^[4,10,11] whereas infection in men below 35 years of age is due to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the sexually transmitted pathogens. There may be an overlap between the two, warranting recording of sexual history thoroughly. E. Coli was the offending organism in the presentcase. The management of such cases should take cognizance of guidelines Centers for disease control^[12].

  Their periodic updates are invaluable, and should form a part component of treatment strategies, which take into account changing pattern of the disease from time to time.

References