(U)- Epididymo-orchitis Flashcards
What are the causes of epididymo-orchitis?
Escherichia coli
Chlamydia trachomatis
Neisseria gonorrhoea
Mumps
How does epididymo-orchitis typically present?
Testicular pain
Dragging or heavy sensation
Swelling of testicle and epididymis
Tenderness on palpation
Urethral discharge
Systemic symptoms e.g. fever
What is the key differential for epididymo-orchitis?
Testicular torsion
If any doubt treat as torsion until proven otherwise
How can epididymo-orchitis be discriminated from testicular torsion?
Relief of pain on elevation
This is a positive Prehn’s sign, it is negative with testicular torsion
Cremasteric reflex
What features of a history differentiate between STI or enteric organism as a cause of epididymo-orchitis?
Under 35
Increased number of sexual partners
Discharge from the urethra
What investigations are used to diagnose epididymo-orchitis?
Urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea NAATon a first-pass urine
Charcoal swab- purulent urethral discharge for gonorrhoea culture and sensitivities
Saliva swab- PCR for mumps
Serum antibodies- for mumps, if suspected (IgM- acute infection, IgG-previous infection or vaccination)
Ultrasound
What is suggested by NICE for an enteric organism causing epididymo-orchitis?
Ofloxacin
14 days
Levofloxacin
10 days
Co-amoxiclav
10 days (when you cant use quinolones)
What are two notable side effects of quinolone antibiotics such as ofloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin?
Tendon damage and rupture (especially Achilles tendon)
Lowers seizure threshold (caution in patients with epilepsy)
What are the complications of epididymo-orchitis?
Chronic pain
Chronic epididymitis
Testicular atrophy
Sub-fertility or infertility
Scrotal abscess