TORSION OF INTRAABDOMINAL TESTICULAR-TUMORS - A CASE-REPORT

BACKGROUND, Torsion of an intraabdominal testicular tumor is a rare ev ent. We report a new case and review the literature. METHODS, A review of the literature was carried out in order to identify reported cases of an intraabdominal testicular tumor undergoing torsion of its vascu lar pedicle. Data on histologic type, common presenting signs and symp toms, radiographic studies, and adjuvant therapy were tabulated. RESUL TS, There are 36 reports of an intraabdominal testicular tumor present ing with torsion. The most common histologic types, in descending orde r, were seminoma, sarcoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, and chorioca rcinoma. Common presenting signs and symptoms included pain and/or ten derness, fever, nausea and/or vomiting, and a palpable mass. Most semi noma patients received adjuvant radiation therapy whereas one patient with choriocarcinoma received adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS, Alth ough a rare event, the diagnosis of torsion of an intraabdominal testi cular tumor should be considered in any patient presenting with an acu te abdomen and a history of cryptorchidism. The presence of a mass may raise the index of suspicion. Preoperative investigation dth computed tomography scanning may aid surgical planning. (C) 1996 American Canc er Society.