Perforation of a sigmoid diverticulum presenting with a pneumoscrotum and surgical emphysema

A case of a sigmoid perforation presenting as a pneumoscrotum with progressive surgical emphysema is reported. An elderly patient presented with a grossly swollen scrotum and a distended abdomen. A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated sigmoid diverticulitis in conjunction with air and a subdiaphragmatic collection. A laparotomy was performed and revealed a perforated sigmoid diverticulum (Hinchey III). Sadly the patient died on the operating table. Intra-abdominal pathology manifesting as a pneumoscrotum and surgical emphysema is a rare yet reported phenomenon most often associated with colonoscopy, but also described with appendicitis and perforated colonic carcinoma. In previous reports, in contrast to this patient, the individual's scrotum was inflamed but not erythematous and tender, and the rapid progression of surgical emphysema is not reported.