Which is a common complication of epididymo-orchitis?

Which is a common complication of epididymo-orchitis?

• A. Abscess
• B. Hydrocele
• C. Spermatocele
• D. Varicocele

Answer: (A)

When the infection from epididymo-orchitis is persistent or severe, it can progress to a focal collection of pus within the epididymis or testis, forming an abscess. This is a well-recognized complication because inflammatory destruction and liquefactive necrosis create a localized fluid collection that may require drainage. On ultrasound, you’d expect a complex or septated fluid collection within the affected area, often with surrounding hyperemia from the inflammatory process. Hydrocele, while it can accompany scrotal inflammation as reactive fluid accumulates around the testis, is not the direct, typical complication of the infection itself. Spermatocele is a cystic dilation of epididymal ducts and varicocele is dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus; neither is a direct consequence of acute epididymo-orchitis.

When the infection from epididymo-orchitis is persistent or severe, it can progress to a focal collection of pus within the epididymis or testis, forming an abscess. This is a well-recognized complication because inflammatory destruction and liquefactive necrosis create a localized fluid collection that may require drainage. On ultrasound, you’d expect a complex or septated fluid collection within the affected area, often with surrounding hyperemia from the inflammatory process.

Hydrocele, while it can accompany scrotal inflammation as reactive fluid accumulates around the testis, is not the direct, typical complication of the infection itself. Spermatocele is a cystic dilation of epididymal ducts and varicocele is dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus; neither is a direct consequence of acute epididymo-orchitis.