[Segmentary testicular infarction]

A new case of segmental testicular infarction is reported.

A 52-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe pain in the left testicle over a few days period. Physical examination revealed a tender induration in the upper pole of the left testicle. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein were normal. Sonography demonstrated a poorly-defined, hypoechoic, 13 mm lesion. On power Doppler sonography, the hypoechoic area appeared completely avascular in contrast to the rest of the testicle.

Since testicular tumor was the initial diagnosis, the patient underwent a left radical orchiectomy. Pathological study revealed a focal testicular infarction, without signs of malignancy or vasculitis.

Segmental testicular infarction is usually diagnosed after radical orchiectomy, performed when testicular tumor is suspected. On certain occasions Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested a segmental testicular infarction. However, if tumor cannot be entirely excluded, exploratory surgery is necessary.