Hydrocele
Updates to Article Attributes
HydrocoelesHydroceles are acquired or congenital serous fluid collections between the layers of the tunica vaginalis surrounding a testis or spermatic cord. They are the most common form of testicular enlargement and present with painless enlargement of the scrotum. On all modalities, hydrocoeleshydroceles appear as simple fluid, unless complicated by infection or haemorrhage.
Epidemiology
HydrocoelesHydroceles can be diagnosed at any age, with congenital hydrocoele being more common in children.
Clinical presentation
Most hydrocoeleshydroceles are acquired and present with progressing painless scrotal mass. During the physical examination, hydrocele characteristically transilluminates when evaluated with a light source. They can become painful if infected (see pyocoele).
Pathology
Congenital
There are two main subtypes of congenital hydrocoele:
- communicating hydrocoele
- spermatic cord hydrocoele 1-2
In the communicating type, fluid collects around a patent processus vaginalis which failed to successfully obliterate.
The spermatic cord hydrocele is further subdivided into:
- encysted type (spermatic cord cyst): no communication with the peritoneum or tunica vaginalis
- funicular type (funiculocele): communicates with the peritoneum at the internal ring and doesn't surround the testis
- more common in children and premature infants 2
Acquired aetiology
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the first modality usually used to evaluate hydrocele. It presents as a simple fluid collection. It is avascular on Doppler evaluation. It may contain septations, calcifications or cholesterol 2.
Communicating, infantile and vaginal hydroceles will be seen intimately surrounding the adjacent testicle. In contrast, spermatic cord hydroceles such as funicular hydrocele (funiculocele) and encysted hydrocele will not surround the testis, rather being found along the spermatic cord.
Hydroceles can also appear larger with straining (Valsalva manoeuvre) 2. They may contain fibrous adhesions, giving a beaded appearance to the spermatic cord (pachyvaginalitis) 3.
MRI
On MRI, signal characteristics of the hydroceles are
- T1: low signal
- T2: high signal
This represents the simple serous fluid component of the hydrocele.
Treatment and prognosis
In infants, most hydroceles (around 90%) resolve spontaneously, and they are thought to result in incomplete obliteration of the processus vaginalis 4. It is important to assess for any associated herniations in these patients.
Differential diagnosis
Imaging differential considerations include
Rarely, a scrotal tunica cyst or scrotal mesothelioma can look like hydrocele. They are usually easily distinguishable from hydroceles.
See also
-<p><strong>Hydrocoeles</strong> are acquired or congenital serous fluid collections between the layers of the tunica vaginalis surrounding a testis or spermatic cord. They are the most common form of testicular enlargement and present with painless enlargement of the scrotum. On all modalities, hydrocoeles appear as simple fluid, unless complicated by infection or haemorrhage. </p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Hydrocoeles can be diagnosed at any age, with congenital hydrocoele being more common in children.</p><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Most hydrocoeles are acquired and present with progressing painless <a href="/articles/scrotal-mass">scrotal mass</a>. During physical examination, hydrocele characteristically transilluminates when evaluated with a light source. They can become painful if infected (see <a href="/articles/pyocele">pyocoele</a>).</p><h4>Pathology</h4><h6>Congenital</h6><p>There are two main subtypes of congenital hydrocoele:</p><ul>- +<p><strong>Hydroceles</strong> are acquired or congenital serous fluid collections between the layers of the tunica vaginalis surrounding a testis or spermatic cord. They are the most common form of testicular enlargement and present with painless enlargement of the scrotum. On all modalities, hydroceles appear as simple fluid, unless complicated by infection or haemorrhage. </p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Hydroceles can be diagnosed at any age, with congenital hydrocoele being more common in children.</p><h4>Clinical presentation</h4><p>Most hydroceles are acquired and present with progressing painless <a href="/articles/scrotal-mass">scrotal mass</a>. During the physical examination, hydrocele characteristically transilluminates when evaluated with a light source. They can become painful if infected (see <a href="/articles/pyocele">pyocoele</a>).</p><h4>Pathology</h4><h6>Congenital</h6><p>There are two main subtypes of congenital hydrocoele:</p><ul>
-</ul><p>This represents the simple serous fluid component of the hydrocele.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>In infants, most hydroceles (around 90%) resolve spontaneously and they are thought to result in incomplete obliteration of the processus vaginalis<sup> 4</sup>. It is important to assess for any associated herniations in these patients.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis</h4><p>Imaging differential considerations include</p><ul>- +</ul><p>This represents the simple serous fluid component of the hydrocele.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>In infants, most hydroceles (around 90%) resolve spontaneously, and they are thought to result in incomplete obliteration of the processus vaginalis<sup> 4</sup>. It is important to assess for any associated herniations in these patients.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis</h4><p>Imaging differential considerations include</p><ul>
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.