[Evolutive orchiepididymitis or ischemic testis?: that is the question]

We report a case of deferred acute scrotum in a young teenager. Even though initially the aetiological diagnosis seemed clear (partially treated epididymo-orchitis), glandular viability remained uncertain due to ultrasound findings and the time elapsed since initial diagnosis. Colour Doppler Ultrasound is examined as the most useful ancillary method in differential diagnosis in this setting, as well as the different ultrasound findings in subsequent stages of spermatic cord torsion and epididymo-orchitis. Possible testicular ischaemia in this clinical setting is emphasized, explaining its pathophysiology.