Intrauterine-neonatal torsion of the spermatic cord in an Ethiopian newborn.

The case of a neonate with scrotal swelling noted 6 hours after birth is presented. Scrotal exploration at 12 hours of age revealed a right extravaginal testicular torsion with ischemic necrosis of the testis. Intrauterine and neonatal torsion of the spermatic cord is an uncommon problem accounting for 5 to 6 percent of all cases of testicular torsion. Management controversies revolving around the questions "should the neonate with an obviously infarcted testis be explored?" and "what should be done to the testis whose viability is not reasonably certain?" have now been answered to the satisfaction of most people. This case report from Ethiopia and some aspects of the condition are discussed and attention is called to early diagnosis and appropriate intervention.