Segmental testicular infarction in a 17-year-old teenager

EDITORIAL COMMENT. According to clinical data, segmental testicular infarction occurred due to transient testicular torsion with impaired arterial blood supply. Thus, in the presented clinical case, segmental testicular infarction should not be considered as a complication of varicocele.

Introduction. Segmental testicular infarction in children and adolescents is a rare case that is mostly met as a complication of andrological or other diseases. This pathology is extremely difficult to diagnose. At the same time, in order to increase the chance for favorable outcomes, decision on the proper way of care must be taken as soon as possible.

Purpose. To demonstrate a case of successful diagnostics and treatment of segmental testicular infarction in a teenager with varicocele.

Material and methods. The patient was admitted with a picture of acute scrotum syndrome three hours later after the onset of the disease with preliminary diagnosis "testicular torsion and thrombosis of testicular veins in a patient with varicocele". Four days before, the patient consulted a urologist about pain in the left testicle. Varicocele grade III on the left without orchopathy was diagnosed. The pain syndrome was relieved by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Previously, this pathology had not been diagnosed in this patient, and he did not suspect it. Examination of organs: no marked changes; locally, on the left, there is expansion of testicular veins of degree III; testicle on the left is painful, dense. Ultrasound examination and dopplerography of the scrotum organs were urgently made. Findings of radial examinations revealed segmental thrombosis in the middle part of the testicle; however, because of low occurrence of segmental thrombosis and greater focus on the testicular torsion the surgeons were not sure of absolute accuracy of the obtained additional findings. An emergency revision of the scrotum was performed at which the diagnosis of segmental thrombosis was confirmed. Three month later, at a follow-up examination partial restoration of blood flow in the infarction zone without pronounced signs of testicular atrophy was seen.

Conclusion. Segmental testicular infarction is an extremely rare complication of varicocele in children and adolescents. A proper assessment of the clinical picture and ultrasound imaging allow to put the well-timed and correct diagnosis of segmental testicular infarction. Not in all cases, segmental testicular infarction should be considered as an irreversible condition that leads to sclerosis in its outcome.