Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Varicocele Treatment with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Published on: August 30, 2024
An Unusual Case of Acute Scrotal Pain
Thomas Damrow1, Ryan Bellinger1, Judy Lin1,2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center, Fort Worth, USA.
Abstract:
Patients frequently present to the emergency department with complaints of scrotal or testicular pain. Generally, there is an algorithmic approach to workup, which includes assessment for torsion, infection, or vascular causes, and musculoskeletal causes of pain are also sometimes considered. Spinal cord pathology, however, is less often explored as a cause of testicular pain. Here, we present a case of a 45-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and hypertension who presented with acute testicular pain. After a comprehensive workup, however, the source of pain was not initially found. Progression of the patient's symptoms led to the diagnosis of spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma. This atypical presentation of a rare diagnosis is also interesting due to the patient's concomitant diagnosis of an otherwise asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. While our case represents an atypical combination of clinical features, it also illustrates the importance of continued vigilance and ongoing workup when patients present with severe pain and unclear causes of their symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Testes: Gross Anatomy
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four...

