Testicular torsion in a catheterized geriatric 73-year-old patient, making an early diagnosis: a case report

Testicular torsion is a urologic emergency that requires surgical intervention. Its diagnosis is rarely made in elderly men especially the subset of men on urethral catheter. As a result, delayed diagnosis and surgical exploration occur leading to testicular infarction with necrosis, abscess formation and ultimately orchidectomy. We report a 73-year-old urologic patient referred with a 2-month history of transurethral catheterization to relieve retention of urine with subsequent scrotal pains and fever. Physical examination showed left hemi-scrotal swelling and normal right hemi-scrotal findings. A Doppler scan done showed an intratesticular fluid collection with no blood flow in the left testes. This case illustrates the need to include testicular torsion when diagnosing geriatric men with transurethral catheter presenting with any acute scrotal pains. We, therefore, recommend a detailed history and physical examination in addition to a colour Doppler ultrasound scan in making a diagnosis.