ACUTE SCROTAL SWELLING - A SIGN OF NEONATAL ADRENAL HEMORRHAGE

Two neonates presented with acute scrotal swelling suggestive of testi cular torsion. Surgical exploration in one patient revealed an infecte d haematoma. Subsequent investigations including ultrasonography and u rinary catecholamine determination disclosed adrenal haemorrhage as th e cause of the scrotal haematoma. A second patient in whom a purplish discolouration of the right hemiscrotum was noted was also investigate d with ultrasonography, which revealed a normal right testis and a rig ht adrenal haematoma. Both cases of adrenal haemorrhage resolved spont aneously on conservative treatment. Adrenal haemorrhage should be cons idered as a possible cause of acute scrotal swelling in neonates. Ultr asonography assessment should be performed in such cases to examine th e intra-abdominal organs especially the adrenal glands.