The Clinical Significance of Torsion of Appendix Testis in Acute Scrotum

Lee, Jeong Haeng; Yune, Sang Min; Park, Won Kee

Abstract

The torsion of appendix testis is the second most common disease of the acute scrotal diseases in frequency. Despite recent development of diagnostic equipments, its differential diagnosis is often difficult and its treatment is controversial. We reviewed retrospectively 19 cases who were diagnosed to have torsion of appendix testis during recent 6 years. The mean age was 11.3 years. Five cases who had blue dot sign and tender mass on upper pole of testis, and one of 9 who had been examined with scrotal ultrasonography were diagnosed to have torsion of appendix testis, but other clinical finding and laboratory findings were not contributable to its diagnosis. Nine of 14 cases who were diagnosed by surgical exploration were consistent with the preoperative impression. Mean duration of scrotal pain were 1.3 days in surgical treatment group and were 3.6 days in conservative treatment group. The pathognomonic sign of torsion of appendix testis was seen only in a few cases. The diagnostic accuracy of torsion of appendix testis before exploration was low. The scrotal pain was relieved relatively more rapidly in surgical treatment group. So, we think that surgery was more desirable in diagnosis and treatment of torsion of appendix testis.