Importance of Touch: Managing Testicular Torsion in a 28-Year-Old With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Abstract

This case report highlights a case of testicular torsion in a man over the age of 25 with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), who presented with an atypical pain history, and a Testicular Workup for Ischaemia and Suspected Torsion (TWIST) score negative for exploration. However, based purely on the examination findings, scrotal exploration was performed and a torted testis was found. The report demonstrates that in this cohort of patients, a higher index of suspicion is needed to ensure early recognition of the condition. Furthermore, scrotal exploration can be safely conducted under local anaesthesia given the multiple cardiovascular and spinal co-morbidities attributed to DMD.

Visualizing the early-stage testicular torsion by dual-modal photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging

“…Testicular torsion (TT) is a typical surgical emergency that occurs in 1 in 4000 young males aged less than 25 years [1] , [2] . TT is caused by twisting of the testicle around the spermatic cord, resulting in decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the testicle [3] , [4] .…”