Eosinophilic funiculitis initially diagnosed as irreducible inguinal hernia: A case report

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Study
• Surgical Pathology
• Rare Diseases

Background:

• Groin masses are frequently misdiagnosed as hernias, with ultrasonography often confirming suspected hernias in over 80% of cases.
• Accurate diagnosis of groin hernias among differential diagnoses can be challenging.
• This report details an exceptionally rare instance of eosinophilic funiculitis presenting as an irreducible groin hernia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a unique case of eosinophilic funiculitis mimicking a groin hernia.
• To highlight the importance of considering rare differential diagnoses for groin masses.

Main Methods:

• A 59-year-old male presented with a painful, irreducible right groin tumor.
• Enhanced computed tomography (CT) suggested a connection to intra-abdominal structures, leading to a diagnosis of irreducible hernia.
• Surgical exploration revealed a tumor around the spermatic cord; high orchiectomy was performed, and pathological examination confirmed eosinophilic funiculitis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a 1-week history of a painful, irreducible groin tumor.
• Despite initial suspicion of hernia, surgery revealed no hernia sac but a 4x3 cm tumor around the spermatic cord.
• Pathological examination confirmed eosinophilic funiculitis with significant inflammation and eosinophil infiltration, ruling out malignancy.

Conclusions:

• Eosinophilic funiculitis is an extremely rare condition, with only three prior reported cases.
• Uncommon causes of groin masses, such as eosinophilic funiculitis, must be considered during surgical evaluation of hernia-like presentations.