Acute Scrotal Pain and a Different Use of an Old Imaging Method

The differential diagnosis of scrotal pain in childhood is a challenge for every primary care physician. We report the case of a 5-year-old boy presenting to the emergency department owing to acute left scrotal pain. Ultrasound screening revealed a Morgagni hydatid in the left testis, which was surgically removed. X-rays revealed microcalcifications of the cyst wall and stroma, signs indicative of chronic inflammation. Results of histological examination confirmed radiographic evaluation. No similar use of x-rays has been described in literature before, to the best of our knowledge. A brief discussion also follows about Morgagni hydatid in childhood.

Automated summary

The differential diagnosis of scrotal pain in childhood can be a challenge for primary care physicians. This case study reports a 5-year-old boy with acute left scrotal pain, revealing a Morgagni hydatid in the left testis through ultrasound screening and X-rays. The presence of microcalcifications in the cyst wall and stroma on X-rays indicated chronic inflammation, which was confirmed by histological examination. No similar use of X-rays has been previously described in the literature. A brief discussion on Morgagni hydatid in childhood is included.