Epididymitis: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Gray1144.png|thumb|Scrotal anatomy]]
[[File:Gray1144.png|thumb|Scrotal anatomy]]
[[File:Epididymis-KDS.jpg|thumb|Adult testicle with epididymis (left is posterior): A. Head of epididymis, B. Body of epididymis, C. Tail of epididymis, and D. Vas deferens.]]
[[File:Epididymis-KDS.jpg|thumb|Adult testicle with epididymis (left is posterior): A. Head of epididymis, B. Body of epididymis, C. Tail of epididymis, and D. Vas deferens.]]
*Often confused with testicular torsion
*Often confused with [[testicular torsion]]
**Cremasteric reflex intact in epididymitis
**Cremasteric reflex intact in epididymitis
*Sexually active men <35yo → consider [[Chlamydia|chlamydia]], [[Gonorrhea|gonorrhea]]
*Sexually active men <35yo → consider [[Chlamydia|chlamydia]], [[Gonorrhea|gonorrhea]]
*Not sexually active, age >35yo, or anal intercourse → also consider E. coli, pseudomonas, enterobacter, TB, [[Syphilis|syphilis]]
*Not sexually active, age >35yo, or anal intercourse → also consider [[E. coli]], [[pseudomonas]], [[enterobacter]], [[TB]], [[Syphilis|syphilis]]
*Chemical epididymitis
*Chemical epididymitis
**Consider in the patient with afib and testicular pain
**Consider in the patient with [[afib]] and testicular pain
**Testicular pain and swelling in patients on [[Amiodarone|amiodarone]]
**Testicular pain and swelling in patients on [[Amiodarone|amiodarone]]


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==Evaluation==
==Evaluation==
===Workup===
===Workup===
[[File:Ultrasonography of epididymitis.jpg|thumb|Doppler ultrasound of epididymitis, seen as a substantial increase in blood flow in the left epididymis (top image), while it is normal in the right (bottom image). The thickness of the epididymis (between yellow crosses) is only slightly increased.]]
[[File:PMC5028337 13244 2016 503 Fig17 HTML.png|thumb|Acute epididymo-orchitis. Contrast-enhanced CT (a, b) shows thickened and engorged left spermatic cord, with inhomogeneous vascularisation of the ipsilateral epididymis (thin arrows) and testis (arrows). Ultrasound (c) reveals hypervascularisation of the epididymis (+).]]
[[File:PMC5028337 13244 2016 503 Fig17 HTML.png|thumb|Acute epididymo-orchitis. Contrast-enhanced CT (a, b) shows thickened and engorged left spermatic cord, with inhomogeneous vascularisation of the ipsilateral epididymis (thin arrows) and testis (arrows). Ultrasound (c) reveals hypervascularisation of the epididymis (+).]]
*[[Urinalysis]]
*[[Urinalysis]]
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===[[Antibiotics]]===
===[[Antibiotics]]===
{{Epididymitis antibiotics}}
{{Epididymitis antibiotics}}
*If med adherence is an issue:
*If med adherence is an issue<ref>CDC 2022 guidelines</ref>:
**[[Ceftriaxone]] 250mg IM once '''AND'''
**[[Ceftriaxone]] 500mg IM once '''AND'''
**Azithromycin 1 g PO once
**Azithromycin 1 g PO once



Revision as of 16:05, 12 April 2022

Background

Scrotal anatomy
Adult testicle with epididymis (left is posterior): A. Head of epididymis, B. Body of epididymis, C. Tail of epididymis, and D. Vas deferens.

Clinical Features

  • Pain of gradual onset, peaks at 24hr
  • Dysuria
  • Urinary frequency
  • Fever
  • Pain relieved with elevation of testicle (Prehn sign)
    • Sensitivity: 91.3%, specificity: 78.3. Does not rule out testicular torsion

Differential Diagnosis

Testicular Diagnoses

Evaluation

Workup

Doppler ultrasound of epididymitis, seen as a substantial increase in blood flow in the left epididymis (top image), while it is normal in the right (bottom image). The thickness of the epididymis (between yellow crosses) is only slightly increased.
Acute epididymo-orchitis. Contrast-enhanced CT (a, b) shows thickened and engorged left spermatic cord, with inhomogeneous vascularisation of the ipsilateral epididymis (thin arrows) and testis (arrows). Ultrasound (c) reveals hypervascularisation of the epididymis (+).
  • Urinalysis
    • Pyuria seen in half of cases
  • Urine culture (children, elderly men)
  • Urine GC/Chlam (urethral discharge or age <40)
  • Ultrasound for equivocal cases
  • Older men should be evaluated for urinary retention

Diagnosis

  • Based on clinical exam or ultrasound

Management

Antibiotics

  • For acute epididymitis likely caused by STI [1]
  • For acute epididymitis most likely caused by STI and enteric organisms (MSM)
  • For acute epididymitis most likely caused by enteric organisms

For persons weighing ≥150 kg, 1 g of ceftriaxone should be administered.

  • If med adherence is an issue[2]:

Pediatric Epididymitis[3]

  • Rule out testicular torsion
  • Bed rest to ensure lymphatic drainage
  • Ice packs, acetaminophen, ibuprofen
  • Rarely oral narcotics
  • Pediatric urology follow up outpatient in non-toxic child for possible GU anatomical abnormalities
  • Antibiotics for 10-14 days, with urine culture sent:

Disposition

  • Admit for systemic signs (fever, chills, nausea/vomiting) or toxic appearance
  • Discharge with urology follow-up in 1 week if non-toxic

See Also

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/epididymitis.htm
  2. CDC 2022 guidelines
  3. Richman MN and Bukowski TP. Pediatric Epididymitis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. Infect Urol. 2001;14(2).