Spermatic Cord Torsion in Adults

Abstract

A five year retrospective review of 15 cases of spermatic cord torsion in male patients 18-years or older was performed. Eighty percent of patients were correctly diagnosed at time of initial presentation while 20% of patients were misdiagnosed as epididymitis. Fifty three percent of cases has history of similar previous attacks. The average delay prior to presentation was 7 hours. Absence of fever was the rule occuring in all patients.

Leucocytosis and significant pyuria were commonly encountered occuring in 33% and 27% of patients respectively. Our orchidectomy rate was 20%. Our data suggest that while, in adult patients presenting with scrotal pain, the absence of pyuria make the diagnosis of epididymitis unlikely as a cause of the condition, the presence of significant pyuria even if associated with leucocytosis does not exclude spermatic cord torsion and further studies with Doppler examination and Radionuclide Scans are necessary to establish the diagnosis.

Key words:

• spermatic cord
• torsion
• adults