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Eur J Pediatr Surg 2018; 28(03): 222-226
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603089
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Acute Idiopathic Scrotal Edema: Systematic Literature Review

Maristella Santi
1   Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland
,
Sebastiano A. G. Lava
2   Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital of Bern, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
,
Giacomo D. Simonetti
1   Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland
,
Mario G. Bianchetti
1   Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland
,
Gregorio P. Milani
3   Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

27 February 2017

29 March 2017

Publication Date:
15 May 2017 (online)

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Abstract

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.

Keywords

acute scrotum - acute idiopathic scrotal edema - scrotal redness and swelling - imaging studies