JAMA Clinical Challenge

Lower Abdominal Swelling and Scrotal Enlargement

Right lower abdominal and right scrotal swelling (figure reprinted from Arch Surg. 2011;146[6]:757-758).

Huan J. Chang, MD, MPH
A 24-year-old man reports progressive, right lower abdominal swelling and right scrotal enlargement over 2 years. He denies any pain or sudden changes in the size of the swelling. There is no history of trauma or urinary symptoms. Physical examination reveals a smooth, fluctuant, right abdominal swelling extending from the level of the umbilicus to the inguinal ligament (Figure). There is also a smooth, cystic swelling causing marked enlargement of the right half of the scrotum. There is no local warmth or tenderness. The left testis is within the scrotum, but the right testis is not palpable. When the patient is asked to cough, there is a palpable thrill. Palpation of the abdominal and scrotal swellings simultaneously reveals cross-fluctuation. Both the swellings are transilluminant.

See the full article for an explanation and discussion.

Author Affiliation: Dr Chang (tina.chang{at}jama-archives.org) is Contributing Editor, JAMA.