Emphysematous epididymo-orchitis is a rare infection that needs to be treated aggressively.
Presentation: acute scrotum with fever, pain and swelling.
Imaging studies show the presence of air or gas in the tissues.
Risk factors:
(1) diabetes mellitus
(2) HIV
(3) diverticulitis with a fistula extending to a seminal vesicle
(4) rectal cancer invading the prostate
Management involves urgent surgery with antibiotic therapy.
Culture is required for identification of the bacteria causing the infection, which may be mixed.
