[A rare retroperitoneal tumor: abdomino-scrotal hydrocele. Two case reports]

Abstract

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is a very rare condition, different from the majority of cases of hydroceles related to the persistence of the processus vaginalis. The anomaly consists of a large scrotal hydrocele which communicates in an hour-glass fashion with a large abdominal component through the inguinal canal. We report two cases observed in infants.

Case reports: 1. A nine-month-old infant was referred because of a large bilateral hydrocele. On clinical examination on the right side in the lower quadrant of the abdomen was found a mass which communicated with the right scrotal pouch. Diagnosis of abdominoscrotal hydrocele was established by ultrasonography. During the surgical exploration the right testis was found to be dysmorphic, fusiform and ectopic in the inguinal canal. Surgical treatment comprised hydrocelectomy and right orchidectomy. 2. A six-month-old infant presented with a large right hydrocele in communication with an abdominal pouch located in the right lower quadrant, in association with a lymphoedema of the right limb. Diagnosis of abdominoscrotal hydrocele was confirmed by ultrasonography. During the surgical procedure the pouch was opened and everted. The testis was dysmorphic as in the first case, in normal scrotal position and was preserved.

Comments: Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is a rare condition reported in adult population and also in the infant. The exact mechanism by which it develops is unknown. The diagnosis can be suspected on clinical examination if an abdominal mass in a lower quadrant is palpable just above the inguinoscrotal pouch. The diagnosis relies on ultrasonography. Complications sometimes occur due to the pressure on adjacent structures (ureters, iliac vessels). Testicular dysmorphism has been reported in some patients. In any case, as spontaneous resolution of abdominoscrotal hydrocele has never been reported, surgical treatment is indicated.