Fate of the testis following epididymitis: a clinical and ultrasound study

The progress of 33 men suffering from acute epididymitis, the majority of whom were treated as hospital inpatients, was prospectively monitored in order to determine the incidence of complications, and to assess the prognostic implications of clinical and scrotal ultrasound features found at initial presentation. Serious testicular complications resulting in frank infarction, suppurative necrosis and late atrophy developed in 39%. Three factors were shown to have significant discriminant value in predicting an adverse outcome: severe degree of inflammation with induration of the spermatic cord; the presence of a coexistent bacterial urinary infection; and a uniformly reduced testicular echo pattern on the affected side as visualized on ultrasound. A more aggressive approach in addition to medical measures appears to be indicated in these patients. The rationale of early surgical decompression by epididymotomy and spermatic fasciotomy is discussed. Scrotal ultrasound should be considered as a routine investigation in the management of epididymitis.