OBJECTIVE: A new case of segmental testicular infarction is reported. METHODS: A 52-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe pain in the left testicle over a few days period. Physical examination revealed a tender induration in the upper pole of the left testicle. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein were normal. Sonography demonstrated a poorly-defined, hypoechoic, 13 mm lesion. On power Doppler sonography, the hypoechoic area appeared completely avascular in contrast to the rest of the testicle. RESULTS: Since testicular tumor was the initial diagnosis, the patient underwent a left radical orchiectomy. Pathological study revealed a focal testicular infarction, without signs of malignancy or vasculitis. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental testicular infarction is usually diagnosed after radical orchiectomy, performed when testicular tumor is suspected. On certain occasions Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested a segmental testicular infarction. However, if tumor cannot be entirely excluded, exploratory surgery is necessary.
OBJECTIVE: A new case of segmental testicular infarction is reported. METHODS: A 52-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe pain in the left testicle over a few days period. Physical examination revealed a tender induration in the upper pole of the left testicle. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein were normal. Sonography demonstrated a poorly-defined, hypoechoic, 13 mm lesion. On power Doppler sonography, the hypoechoic area appeared completely avascular in contrast to the rest of the testicle. RESULTS: Since testicular tumor was the initial diagnosis, the patient underwent a left radical orchiectomy. Pathological study revealed a focal testicular infarction, without signs of malignancy or vasculitis. CONCLUSIONS:Segmental testicular infarction is usually diagnosed after radical orchiectomy, performed when testicular tumor is suspected. On certain occasions Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested a segmental testicular infarction. However, if tumor cannot be entirely excluded, exploratory surgery is necessary.