Acute idiopathic scrotal edema in children--revisited

Acute idiopathic scrotal edema (AISE), a self-limiting acute scrotal edema and erythema that resolves without sequela, was first reported by Qvist in 1956.

Thirty eight patients with AISE seen in the authors' department over the last 10 years were reviewed, comprising 44 episodes, most occurring in children under 10 years of age. The average age at presentation was 6.2 years. No past history of allergy was elicited.

Unilateral involvement predominated (90.1%). None of the patients was found to have a primary source of scrotal, perineal, or perianal infection. Scrotal discomfort; scrotal, perineal, and inguinal swelling; and erythema were the most common findings. Laboratory and ancillary examination findings were normal, except for the occasional eosinophilia. Characteristic ultrasonographic findings, such as marked thickening of the scrotal wall, with heterogeneous and edematous appearance, increased peritesticular blood flow, mild reactive hydrocele, and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes were found. Treatment was conservative in 92.1% of the patients. Resolution of all episodes occurred within 1 to 4 days. Recurrent episodes were observed in 4 patients (10 episodes), which were clinically more severe than the original episode.

Clinical experience, good judgment, and color Doppler ultrasound scan can reliably identify those children with an acute scrotum who require exploration and spare those with AISE, where surgery is not indicated.