Mean platelet volume is a predictor for abscess formation in patients with epididymitis

Epididymitis with abscess formation is a rare but clinically significant condition associated with worse prognosis in the course of epididymitis. This study explores the predictive value of haematological parameters in adult patients with epididymitis and abscess formation.

Adult patients with epididymitis from January 2000 to December 2024 in Hong Kong were identified using the Hong Kong Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS). The patients were divided into two groups: those with epididymitis and those with abscess formation. Their characteristics and haematological parameters were collected and analyzed between the groups.

A total of 4,652 patients were analysed (4,567 with epididymitis and 85 with epididymitis associated with abscess formation). Patients with epididymitis and abscess formation faced significantly higher risks of undergoing epididymectomy or orchiectomy compared to those with epididymitis alone (34/85 versus 65/4,567, P<0.001). Mean platelet volume (MPV) was identified as an independent predictor for epididymitis with abscess formation [odds ratio (OR): 1.886, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.570-2.267], with a cut-off value of 8.80 fL. When combined with age and diabetes mellitus, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.828 (95% CI: 0.788-0.868), demonstrating a sensitivity of 68.2% and a specificity of 82.2%.

This study demonstrated that MPV is an independent predictor of epididymitis with abscess formation. Clinicians should pay closer attention to MPV in epididymitis patients who are older and have diabetes mellitus.