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Acute Idiopathic Scrotal Edema: Systematic Literature Review
Maristella Santi1, Sebastiano A G Lava2, Giacomo D Simonetti1
1Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Introduction:
Existing information on acute idiopathic scrotal edema relies on small case series and textbooks.
Methods:
We searched reports with no date limits on acute idiopathic scrotal edema.
Results:
Thirty-seven studies were included. Sixteen case series addressed the prevalence of acute idiopathic scrotal edema among males with acute scrotum: among 3,403 cases, the diagnosis of acute idiopathic scrotal edema was made in 413 cases (12%). Twenty-four reports addressed history, findings, management, and course of acute idiopathic scrotal edema in 311 patients. The patients mostly ranged in age from 5 to 8 years, presented with acute scrotal redness and swelling, associated or not with mild pain. Ninety percent or more of the cases developed in patients without atopic diathesis and were not preceded by inguinoscrotal surgery, acute febrile illnesses, or trauma. They were afebrile; in good general condition; and presented without pruritus, nausea or vomiting, or abdominal pain. The lesions were bilateral in two-thirds and unilateral in one-third of the cases. The condition resolved spontaneously within 2 to 3 days without sequelae. Approximately 10% of the cases experienced a recurrence.
Conclusion:
Acute idiopathic scrotal edema is a self-limiting condition that accounts for ≥ 10% of cases of acute scrotum in children and adolescents.
Insights
Acute idiopathic scrotal edema is a self-limiting condition in children, accounting for over 10% of acute scrotum cases. This condition typically resolves within 3 days without lasting effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Limited data exists on acute idiopathic scrotal edema, primarily from small case series.
- Existing literature relies heavily on textbook descriptions and limited case reports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing literature on acute idiopathic scrotal edema.
- To determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of this condition.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted without date restrictions.
- Included 37 studies encompassing case series and individual patient reports.
Main Results:
- Acute idiopathic scrotal edema represents 12% of acute scrotum cases in males (413/3403).
- Most affected patients (5-8 years) presented with scrotal redness, swelling, and mild pain, resolving spontaneously within 2-3 days.
- The condition occurred without preceding illness or trauma in most cases and recurred in approximately 10%.
Conclusions:
- Acute idiopathic scrotal edema is a benign, self-limiting condition.
- It constitutes a significant proportion of pediatric acute scrotum presentations.
- The condition has a favorable prognosis with minimal recurrence and no long-term sequelae.
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