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Updated: May 29, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Meconium-induced periorchitis

Hardy Krause1, Hans-Juergen Hass, Ludwig von Rohden

  • 1University Hospital, Magdeburg (Germany), Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Leipziger Strasse 44, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.

BMJ Case Reports
|September 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of meconium periorchitis in a newborn, a condition arising from prior meconium peritonitis and an open processus vaginalis peritonei. Early diagnosis and intervention preserved the testes, avoiding unnecessary orchiectomy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Testicular tumor-like lesions and extratesticular masses present diagnostic challenges in newborns.
  • Periorchitis, an inflammation of the testicular coverings, can have various causes, including inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.
  • Meconium periorchitis is an exceptionally rare postnatal complication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report an unusual case of meconium periorchitis in a premature infant.
  • To elucidate the pathophysiology of this rare condition.
  • To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for preventing unnecessary testicular surgeries.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a premature male infant with abdominal distension and subsequent bilateral hydrocele.
  • Surgical exploration revealing a processus vaginalis peritonei filled with meconium.
  • Pathohistological examination to confirm meconium periorchitis.

Main Results:

  • Meconium periorchitis was diagnosed postoperatively.
  • The processus vaginalis peritonei was found to be open and contained meconium.
  • The testes were preserved during surgery, with no adverse outcomes on follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Meconium periorchitis requires a patent processus vaginalis peritonei and a history of meconium peritonitis.
  • Understanding the specific pathophysiology is crucial for appropriate clinical management.
  • This case highlights the potential to avoid orchiectomy through correct diagnosis and treatment of meconium periorchitis.

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