EPIDIDYMITIS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Summary The case histories of six children with epididymitis are submitted. In 2 cases the epididymitis formed part of Schonlein‐Henoch's purpura and microscopy of biopsies from the epididymis showed changes characteristic of the latter disease. In 1 case the epididymitis was of suppurative nature and in 1 case it represented a complication following orchiopexy. In the remaining 2 cases, the aetiology of the disease remained obscure. Infection of the urinary tract was not observed in any of the cases and the urinary tract was normal in all except one in whom double anal‐age of one of the kidneys was demonstrable. Three of the patients, including the two with Schonlein‐Henoch's purpura, had thrombocytosis. The aetiology and the differential diagnoses are briefly discussed. It is emphasized that the suspicion primarily should be focussed on torsion of the testis or incarcerated hernia whenever a boy is found to have a tender and swollen scrotum; it is emphasized also that the two latter diagnoses as a rule can be excluded by operation.