Abdominoscrotal hydrocele in a 9-month old infant

Abstract

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele represents an uncommon condition, especially in childhood, resulting from the communication of a large scrotal hydrocele with the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal. The disorder has been associated with a variety of pathological entities such as hydronephrosis, lymphedema, and malignancy of the tunica vaginalis. Diagnosis is made by physical examination and confirmed by abdominal ultrasound scan. Surgical correction, although complex, remains the optimal therapeutic option. The present article reports the case of a 9-month infant from Greece with abdominoscrotal hydrocele. Regardless of rarity, the disorder should be included in the differential diagnosis of scrotal and abdominal masses, as early diagnosis and surgical intervention may prevent the development of potential complications. The difficulty in establishing a preoperative diagnosis highlights the necessity for a physician to have a high level of familiarity with abdominoscrotal hydrocele and its possible complications. Awareness of this abnormality will ensure its prompt recognition and optimal management.