Clinical features of testicular torsion and epididymo-orchitis in infants younger than 3 months.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Testicular torsion (TT) and orchitis/epididymo-orchitis (EO) are confusing and difficult for physicians to diagnose in infants younger than 3 months. The aim of the study was to delineate the etiology and the clinical features of TT and EO in this age group.

METHODS

During the period between April 1994 and September 2004, medical charts of infants younger than 3 months with TT and EO were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were eligible for the study, including 9 with TT and 7 with orchitis/EO. Two infants had postnatal torsion, and the testicles were salvaged by emergent surgery. Eighty-six percent (6/7) of infants with EO/orchitis had either abnormal physical signs (fever or scrotal tenderness) or abnormal laboratory findings (leukocytosis or elevated C-reactive protein level). The sensitivity of color Doppler ultrasound to diagnose TT and EO/orchitis was 88% (7/8) and 100% (6/6), respectively. All infants (6/6) with EO/orchitis who were checked for urinary tract infection and sepsis had positive test results.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatricians should examine the testicles meticulously after a baby is born. Orchitis/EO is highly suspected for patients associated with abnormal physical signs and laboratory findings. Prompt prescription of antibiotics is mandatory to avoid serious sequelae.