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KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Clinical Issues
TERMINOLOGY
Definitions
- Hydrocele: Abnormal fluid in scrotal tunica vaginalis &/or spermatic cord/inguinal canal
- Communicating hydrocele: Fluid extends freely between scrotum & peritoneal cavity via patent processus vaginalis
- Noncommunicating hydrocele: No connection between scrotum & peritoneal cavity → implies closed processus vaginalis
- Spermatic cord hydrocele: Fluid in inguinal canal
- Encysted hydrocele: Loculated fluid in inguinal canal with no connection to scrotum or peritoneal cavity
- Funicular hydrocele: Fluid in inguinal canal with connection to peritoneal cavity (via open internal ring)
- Abdominoscrotal hydrocele: Loculated, dumbbell-shaped fluid collection with abdominal & scrotal components
- More frequent in adolescents & adults
- Hydrocele of canal of Nuck: Girls only → localized fluid collection in groin &/or labia majora
- Also called female hydrocele
- Complex hydrocele: Complicated fluid, which may be due to blood (hematocele) or pus (pyocele)
- Older children, usually with history of trauma, infection, testicular torsion, or malignancy
IMAGING
General Features
Ultrasonographic Findings
CT Findings
MR Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Reporting Tips
Selected References
- Williamson ZC et al: Imaging of the inguinal canal in children. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 42(4):164-79, 2013
- Khanna PC et al: Sonographic appearance of canal of Nuck hydrocele. Pediatr Radiol. 37(6):603-6, 2007
- Lau ST et al: Current management of hernias and hydroceles. Semin Pediatr Surg. 16(1):50-7, 2007
- Rathaus V et al: Ultrasound features of spermatic cord hydrocele in children. Br J Radiol. 74(885):818-20, 2001
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References
Tables
Tables
KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Clinical Issues
TERMINOLOGY
Definitions
- Hydrocele: Abnormal fluid in scrotal tunica vaginalis &/or spermatic cord/inguinal canal
- Communicating hydrocele: Fluid extends freely between scrotum & peritoneal cavity via patent processus vaginalis
- Noncommunicating hydrocele: No connection between scrotum & peritoneal cavity → implies closed processus vaginalis
- Spermatic cord hydrocele: Fluid in inguinal canal
- Encysted hydrocele: Loculated fluid in inguinal canal with no connection to scrotum or peritoneal cavity
- Funicular hydrocele: Fluid in inguinal canal with connection to peritoneal cavity (via open internal ring)
- Abdominoscrotal hydrocele: Loculated, dumbbell-shaped fluid collection with abdominal & scrotal components
- More frequent in adolescents & adults
- Hydrocele of canal of Nuck: Girls only → localized fluid collection in groin &/or labia majora
- Also called female hydrocele
- Complex hydrocele: Complicated fluid, which may be due to blood (hematocele) or pus (pyocele)
- Older children, usually with history of trauma, infection, testicular torsion, or malignancy
IMAGING
General Features
Ultrasonographic Findings
CT Findings
MR Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Reporting Tips
Selected References
- Williamson ZC et al: Imaging of the inguinal canal in children. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 42(4):164-79, 2013
- Khanna PC et al: Sonographic appearance of canal of Nuck hydrocele. Pediatr Radiol. 37(6):603-6, 2007
- Lau ST et al: Current management of hernias and hydroceles. Semin Pediatr Surg. 16(1):50-7, 2007
- Rathaus V et al: Ultrasound features of spermatic cord hydrocele in children. Br J Radiol. 74(885):818-20, 2001
