A spontaneous acute abdomen revealing testicular torsion of an undescended testicle

Abstract

Torsion of an ectopic testicle is an exceptional condition, occurring mainly in young adults. Its etiopathogenesis is still poorly understood. The clinical picture consists of the sudden onset of abdominal pain without fever, associated with a palpable inguinal mass and an empty scrotum. Medical imaging appears to play a limited role. The management of torsion of an undescended testicle involves urgent surgical exploration. An inguinal incision allows diagnosis, detorsion, reduction and orchidopexy in dartos after lowering the testicle if the testicle is viable and the spermatic cord is of sufficient length.