Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Testicular torsion emergency management. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 1: A 16-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a 2-hour history of sudden-onset abdominal pain. He was playing football when his symptoms started. The patient’s past medical history is notable only for asthma. Social history is notable for unprotected sex with 4 women in the past month. His temperature is 99.3°F (37.4°C), blood pressure is 120/88 mmHg, pulse is 117/min, respirations are 14/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. Physical exam is noted for a non-tender abdomen. Testicular exam reveals a right testicle which is elevated with a horizontal lie and the scrotum is neither swollen nor discolored. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Traumatic urethral injury
- B. Seminoma
- C. Appendicitis
- D. Epididymitis
- E. Testicular torsion (Correct Answer)
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Testicular torsion***
- The sudden onset of **unilateral scrotal pain** in an adolescent, accompanied by an **elevated testicle** with a **horizontal lie**, is highly suggestive of testicular torsion. The absence of scrotal swelling or discoloration in the early stages is also consistent.
- Testicular torsion is a **surgical emergency** requiring prompt intervention to preserve testicular viability.
*Traumatic urethral injury*
- This would typically present with **dysuria**, **hematuria**, inability to void, and potentially **blood at the urethral meatus**, none of which are described.
- A traumatic urethral injury often results from falls, straddle injuries, or pelvic fractures, not typically from playing football without direct trauma to the perineum.
*Seminoma*
- Seminoma is a type of **testicular cancer** that typically presents as a **painless testicular mass**.
- It would not cause sudden, acute abdominal pain and would not manifest with an acutely elevated testicle and horizontal lie.
*Appendicitis*
- Although appendicitis can cause abdominal pain, the **non-tender abdomen** on examination and the specific findings on **testicular examination** (elevated testicle, horizontal lie) make appendicitis unlikely.
- Appendicitis pain typically localizes to the right lower quadrant, often associated with fever, nausea, and vomiting.
*Epididymitis*
- Epididymitis causes **scrotal pain** and **swelling**, often with fever and **dysuria**, usually developing over days, not hours.
- It is often associated with the **Prehn's sign** (pain relief with elevation of the testicle), which is usually absent or negative in torsion. The patient's sexual history might suggest an STI, but the acute presentation and examination findings point away from epididymitis.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 2: A 16-year-old boy comes to the physician because of painless enlargement of his left testis for the past 2 weeks. The patient reports that the enlargement is worse in the evenings, especially after playing soccer. He has not had any trauma to the testes. There is no personal or family history of serious illness. Vital signs are within normal limits. Examination shows multiple cord-like structures above the left testes. The findings are more prominent while standing. The cord-like structures disappear in the supine position. The testes are normal on palpation. The patient is at greatest risk of developing which of the following complications?
- A. Testicular torsion
- B. Erectile dysfunction
- C. Testicular tumor
- D. Infertility (Correct Answer)
- E. Bowel strangulation
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Infertility***
- The patient's presentation of a **painless left testicular enlargement** with **"bag of worms"** feeling that is more prominent when standing and disappears when supine is classic for a **varicocele**.
- Varicoceles increase scrotal temperature, which can impair spermatogenesis and lead to **reduced sperm count** and motility, thus increasing the risk of infertility.
*Testicular torsion*
- Testicular torsion typically presents with **sudden onset**, **severe testicular pain** and swelling, often associated with nausea and vomiting.
- The physical examination findings of a varicocele, specifically the **painless nature** and the **disappearance of swelling in the supine position**, rule out torsion.
*Erectile dysfunction*
- While hormonal imbalances can sometimes be associated with severe varicoceles due to Leydig cell dysfunction, **erectile dysfunction is not a direct or common complication** of varicocele in adolescents.
- Erectile dysfunction is more commonly related to psychological factors, vascular issues, or systemic diseases.
*Testicular tumor*
- Testicular tumors usually present as a **painless, firm mass** within the testis itself, which does not typically change with position.
- The description of **"cord-like structures above the testes"** that disappear in the supine position is inconsistent with a solid testicular mass.
*Bowel strangulation*
- Bowel strangulation involves compromised blood supply to a segment of the bowel, often within a hernia, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- The symptoms described are localized to the scrotum and are not indicative of an abdominal emergency like bowel strangulation or an incarcerated hernia.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 3: A 22-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of progressive left-sided scrotal pain for 4 hours. He describes the pain as throbbing in nature and 6 out of 10 in intensity. He has vomited once on the way to the hospital. He has had pain during urination for the past 4 days. He has been sexually active with 2 female partners over the past year and uses condoms inconsistently. His father was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 51 years. He appears anxious. His temperature is 36.9°C (98.42°F), pulse is 94/min, and blood pressure is 124/78 mm Hg. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities. The abdomen is soft and nontender. Examination shows a tender, swollen left testicle and an erythematous left hemiscrotum. Urine dipstick shows leukocyte esterase; urinalysis shows WBCs. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Scrotal ultrasonography (Correct Answer)
- B. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
- C. Surgical exploration
- D. Measurement of serum mumps IgG titer
- E. Measurement of serum α-fetoprotein level
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Scrotal ultrasonography***
- A definitive diagnosis of **epididymitis**, **orchitis**, or **testicular torsion** requires imaging, which can confirm blood flow to the testis.
- Given the symptoms of testicular pain, tenderness, and inflammation in a sexually active young man, **epididymitis** is highly suspected, but **testicular torsion** must be ruled out as it's a surgical emergency.
*CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis*
- This imaging modality is **not indicated** for the initial evaluation of acute scrotal pain.
- While it can identify other intra-abdominal pathology, it does **not provide sufficient detail** of the scrotal contents or blood flow.
*Surgical exploration*
- **Surgical exploration** is the treatment for **testicular torsion**, but it should only be performed after a clinical or ultrasound diagnosis of testicular torsion is made.
- Doing an immediate surgical exploration without imaging may result in unnecessary surgery if the patient has epididymitis.
*Measurement of serum mumps IgG titer*
- While **mumps orchitis** can cause testicular pain, this patient has symptoms more consistent with an infection related to sexual activity or a potential torsion.
- Measuring mumps titers would **delay diagnosis** and management for more urgent conditions like testicular torsion.
*Measurement of serum α-fetoprotein level*
- **Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)** is a tumor marker primarily used for the diagnosis and monitoring of **testicular cancer**.
- This patient presents with acute pain and inflammatory signs, which are **not typical for testicular cancer**; AFP measurement is not indicated in the acute setting.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 4: An 11-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with sudden and severe pain in the left scrotum that started 2 hours ago. He has vomited twice. He has no dysuria or frequency. There is no history of trauma to the testicles. The temperature is 37.7°C (99.9°F). The left scrotum is swollen, erythematous, and tender. The left testis is elevated and swollen with a transverse lie. The cremasteric reflex is absent. Ultrasonographic examination is currently pending. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Testicular torsion (Correct Answer)
- B. Mumps orchitis
- C. Spermatocele
- D. Epididymitis
- E. Germ cell tumor
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Testicular torsion***
- The sudden onset of **severe scrotal pain** with associated **vomiting**, an **elevated testis**, **transverse lie**, and an **absent cremasteric reflex** are classic signs of testicular torsion.
- This condition is a surgical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent testicular ischemia and necrosis.
*Mumps orchitis*
- This typically occurs in post-pubertal males with a history of **mumps infection** and presents with testicular swelling and pain, but usually after the onset of parotitis.
- While it can cause pain and swelling, the **acute onset** and specific findings like absent cremasteric reflex and transverse lie are less characteristic.
*Spermatocele*
- A spermatocele is a **painless, fluid-filled cyst** originating from the epididymis, typically found on the superior aspect of the testis.
- It does not present with acute, severe pain, vomiting, or signs of testicular compromise.
*Epididymitis*
- Epididymitis commonly presents with **gradual onset** of scrotal pain, swelling, and tenderness, often associated with a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted infection.
- The cremasteric reflex is typically **preserved**, and elevation of the testicle (Prehn's sign) may relieve pain.
*Germ cell tumor*
- Testicular tumors usually present as a **painless lump** or mass in the testis, though some may cause a dull ache or sensation of heaviness.
- Acute severe pain, vomiting, and findings like an absent cremasteric reflex are not typical presentations of a testicular tumor.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 5: A 13-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his mother because of vomiting and severe testicular pain for 3 hours. The boy has had 4–5 episodes of vomiting during this period. He has never had a similar episode in the past and takes no medications. His father died of testicular cancer at the age of 50. His immunizations are up-to-date. He appears anxious and uncomfortable. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 90/min, respirations are 14/min, and blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities The abdomen is soft and nondistended. The left scrotum is firm, erythematous, and swollen. There is severe tenderness on palpation of the scrotum that persists on elevation of the testes. Stroking the inner side of the left thigh fails to elicit elevation of the scrotum. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Urine dipstick
- B. Ceftriaxone and doxycycline therapy
- C. Close observation
- D. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
- E. Surgical exploration of the scrotum (Correct Answer)
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Surgical exploration of the scrotum***
- The sudden onset of severe testicular pain, vomiting, an **absent cremasteric reflex**, and testicular tenderness that **persists on elevation (negative Prehn's sign)** are highly suggestive of **testicular torsion**.
- **Testicular torsion** is a surgical emergency requiring immediate exploration to salvage the testis; delaying surgery beyond 6-8 hours significantly increases the risk of **testicular ischemia** and necrosis.
*Urine dipstick*
- While a **urine dipstick** can help rule out a **urinary tract infection** or **epididymitis**, these conditions typically present with more gradual pain and often have associated urinary symptoms, which are not the primary concern here.
- Delaying definitive treatment for a suspected **testicular torsion** by performing non-urgent diagnostic tests can lead to irreversible damage to the testis.
*Ceftriaxone and doxycycline therapy*
- This antibiotic regimen is typically used to treat **epididymitis** or **orchitis**, especially in sexually active adolescents, or cases suspected of bacterial infection.
- The acute, severe nature of the pain and the absence of fever or urinary symptoms make **bacterial epididymitis** less likely, and administering antibiotics would delay the critical intervention needed for **testicular torsion**.
*Close observation*
- **Close observation** is inappropriate given the highly suspicious symptoms of **testicular torsion**, which is a time-sensitive emergency.
- Delaying intervention can result in irreversible **ischemic damage** to the testicle, leading to its loss.
*CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis*
- A **CT scan** is not the appropriate initial diagnostic step for acute scrotal pain; it exposes the patient to radiation and would delay definitive diagnosis and treatment.
- While it could identify other sources of abdominal pain, the clinical presentation is characteristic of a local scrotal pathology, and **ultrasound with Doppler** is preferred if imaging is needed to confirm **testicular torsion**, though clinical suspicion often warrants direct surgical exploration.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 6: Ultrasonography of the scrotum shows a 2-cm hypoechoic, homogeneous testicular mass with sharp margins. A CT scan of the abdomen shows a single enlarged para-aortic lymph node. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Radiation therapy
- B. Open testicular biopsy
- C. Systemic polychemotherapy
- D. Radical inguinal orchiectomy (Correct Answer)
- E. Scrotal orchiectomy
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Radical inguinal orchiectomy***
- This is the appropriate initial management for suspected testicular cancer, allowing for **pathological confirmation** while preventing tumor cell spread via testicular lymphatic drainage.
- The suspected nature of the mass (hypoechoic, homogeneous, sharp margins, and lymph node involvement) points towards a **malignant tumor**, making surgical removal via an inguinal approach critical.
*Radiation therapy*
- This is typically used for **adjuvant treatment** in certain types of testicular cancer, especially seminomas, after the primary tumor has been removed.
- It is not the initial treatment for an unconfirmed testicular mass and would not provide the necessary **histological diagnosis**.
*Open testicular biopsy*
- An open testicular biopsy is generally avoided due to the risk of **tumor seeding** into the scrotum or inguinal region, which can alter lymphatic drainage patterns and complicate staging.
- **Radical inguinal orchiectomy** allows for complete tumor removal and pathological diagnosis without these risks.
*Systemic polychemotherapy*
- Chemotherapy is indicated for **metastatic testicular cancer** or as adjuvant therapy for high-risk tumors, not as the primary treatment for the initial testicular mass.
- It is usually administered after the primary tumor has been removed and the **histology and stage** are known.
*Scrotal orchiectomy*
- Similar to an open testicular biopsy, a scrotal orchiectomy is contraindicated for suspected testicular cancer due to the high risk of **scrotal contamination** and altered lymphatic drainage.
- This approach can increase the chances of local recurrence and **poor prognosis**.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 7: A 70-year-old man with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer presents to the emergency department with severe back pain, bilateral lower extremity weakness (3/5 strength), and urinary retention that started 8 hours ago. He has known bone metastases and his PSA has been rising despite androgen deprivation therapy. MRI spine shows an epidural mass at T10 with severe spinal cord compression and near-complete canal obliteration. He is neurologically intact above T10. Radiation oncology, neurosurgery, and medical oncology are consulted. Evaluate the optimal management approach.
- A. Corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and switch to next-line systemic therapy
- B. Stereotactic radiosurgery as single-modality treatment
- C. Emergent surgical decompression followed by radiation therapy (Correct Answer)
- D. Palliative care consultation and comfort measures only given metastatic disease
- E. High-dose corticosteroids and emergent radiation therapy alone
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Emergent surgical decompression followed by radiation therapy***
- For patients with **malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC)** and acute neurologic deficits lasting <48 hours, **decompressive surgery** followed by radiotherapy results in better ambulatory outcomes than radiation alone.
- This patient has a **single level of compression** (T10) and a reasonable functional status above the lesion, making him an ideal candidate for surgery to preserve **quality of life**.
*Corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and switch to next-line systemic therapy*
- While **systemic therapy** is important for managing metastatic disease, it does not address the acute **mechanical compression** currently threatening spinal cord viability.
- Postponing definitive mechanical decompression in favor of systemic treatment would likely result in **permanent paraplegia** given the severe canal obliteration.
*Stereotactic radiosurgery as single-modality treatment*
- **Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)** is effective for spinal metastases but is generally not the primary choice when there is **high-grade spinal cord compression** with an associated neurologic deficit.
- Surgery is needed first to provide immediate **mechanical decompression** and create a "separation" distance between the cord and the tumor for safer high-dose radiation.
*Palliative care consultation and comfort measures only given metastatic disease*
- Although the cancer is metastatic, preserving **ambulatory function** and bladder control is a priority for maintaining dignity and independence.
- **MSCC** is an oncologic emergency where intervention is indicated unless the patient's **life expectancy** is very short (typically <3 months), which is not clearly the case here.
*High-dose corticosteroids and emergent radiation therapy alone*
- Radiation therapy alone is typically reserved for patients who are not **surgical candidates**, have multisegmental disease, or have complete paralysis for >48 hours.
- **Direct decompressive surgery** is superior for restoring and maintaining the ability to walk in patients with acute, unstable neurologic symptoms from a **single-level mass**.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 8: A 3-year-old boy is brought to the clinic for evaluation of an undescended left testicle noted since birth. The right testicle is in normal scrotal position. On examination, the left testicle is palpable in the inguinal canal and can be manipulated to the upper scrotum but retracts immediately upon release. The testicle appears smaller than the contralateral side. The parents report they were told to wait and see if it descends spontaneously. What is the most appropriate management at this time?
- A. Immediate orchiopexy given the patient's age (Correct Answer)
- B. Reassurance and follow-up at age 5 years before school entry
- C. Continue observation as the testicle is palpable and may still descend
- D. Orchiectomy given the size discrepancy and malignancy risk
- E. Hormonal therapy with hCG to stimulate testicular descent
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Immediate orchiopexy given the patient's age***
- Spontaneous descent is highly unlikely after **6 months of age**; surgery is recommended as early as possible after this window to improve **fertility** and facilitate **cancer screening**.
- This patient is **3 years old**, which is well past the recommended management window of **6 to 18 months**, necessitating prompt surgical intervention.
*Continue observation as the testicle is palpable and may still descend*
- Spontaneous descent of a cryptorchid testis rarely occurs after **age 6 months**, making ongoing observation clinically inappropriate.
- Delayed treatment increases the risk of **testicular atrophy**, **germ cell loss**, and potentially **malignant transformation**.
*Hormonal therapy with hCG to stimulate testicular descent*
- **Hormonal therapy** (e.g., hCG or GnRH) is generally not recommended in the US due to poor **long-term efficacy** compared to surgery.
- The success rate of hormonal therapy is notably low for truly **cryptorchid** testes and does not replace the gold standard of **orchiopexy**.
*Reassurance and follow-up at age 5 years before school entry*
- Waiting until age 5 is inappropriate as it significantly increases the risk of **infertility** and **testicular germ cell tumors**.
- The diagnosis of a **retractile testis** (which might be observed) is ruled out here because the testis **retracts immediately** and is smaller than the contralateral side.
*Orchiectomy given the size discrepancy and malignancy risk*
- **Orchiectomy** (removal) is generally reserved for **post-pubertal males** or instances where the testis is found to be **non-viable** or severely dysgenetic during surgery.
- In a **3-year-old**, the primary goal is **orchiopexy** to preserve hormonal function and provide a chance for future fertility.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 9: A 58-year-old man with a 15-pack-year smoking history undergoes radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Final pathology shows pT3N1 disease with 3 of 18 lymph nodes positive for metastatic urothelial carcinoma, with negative surgical margins. His postoperative recovery is uncomplicated. The oncology team recommends adjuvant chemotherapy, but the patient has baseline chronic kidney disease with creatinine 2.0 mg/dL and GFR 35 mL/min/1.73m². Evaluate the optimal management strategy.
- A. Clinical trial enrollment or gemcitabine-based regimen with close monitoring (Correct Answer)
- B. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitor as adjuvant treatment
- C. Standard cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy despite renal function
- D. Surveillance only given contraindication to effective chemotherapy
- E. Carboplatin-based chemotherapy as substitute for cisplatin
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Clinical trial enrollment or gemcitabine-based regimen with close monitoring***
- In patients with **node-positive disease (pN1)** and **renal impairment**, enrolling in a clinical trial is a preferred strategy to explore novel therapies.
- While **cisplatin** is the gold standard, alternative regimens like **gemcitabine** combinations may be considered if dose modifications allow, though efficacy in the adjuvant setting is less robust.
*Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitor as adjuvant treatment*
- Adjuvant **immunotherapy** (e.g., Nivolumab) is an emerging option for high-risk patients, but traditionally it is reserved for those who cannot tolerate or refuse chemotherapy.
- At the time of standard board-level recommendations, it is often prioritized after failure or contraindication to **platinum-based** therapy rather than as the primary recommendation over clinical trials.
*Standard cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy despite renal function*
- **Cisplatin** is strictly contraindicated in patients with a **GFR < 60 mL/min** due to its high risk of severe **nephrotoxicity**.
- Administering standard doses to this patient with a **GFR of 35 mL/min** could lead to permanent **renal failure** and life-threatening toxicity.
*Surveillance only given contraindication to effective chemotherapy*
- **Surveillance** is inappropriate for **pT3N1 disease** because the risk of systemic recurrence is extremely high without adjuvant intervention.
- Even with **renal comorbidities**, some form of systemic management or trial participation is preferred over a purely passive approach.
*Carboplatin-based chemotherapy as substitute for cisplatin*
- **Carboplatin** is notably inferior to **cisplatin** in achieving durable responses for **urothelial carcinoma**.
- While often used in the metastatic setting for "cisplatin-ineligible" patients, its benefit as a standard **adjuvant** treatment for muscle-invasive disease is not well-established.
Testicular torsion emergency management US Medical PG Question 10: A 65-year-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) presents with acute urinary retention. A Foley catheter is placed, draining 1200 mL of clear urine. Over the next 6 hours, he produces 800 mL/hour of urine and becomes hypotensive with BP 85/50 mmHg. Laboratory studies show sodium 148 mEq/L, potassium 3.2 mEq/L, and creatinine 2.1 mg/dL (baseline 1.0 mg/dL). What is the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism and appropriate management priority?
- A. Acute tubular necrosis from obstruction; initiate dialysis preparation
- B. Sepsis from urinary tract infection; broad-spectrum antibiotics and vasopressors
- C. Prerenal azotemia from volume depletion; aggressive IV fluid resuscitation with normal saline
- D. SIADH from bladder distension; fluid restriction
- E. Post-obstructive diuresis with sodium and water loss; careful fluid replacement matching urine output (Correct Answer)
Testicular torsion emergency management Explanation: ***Post-obstructive diuresis with sodium and water loss; careful fluid replacement matching urine output***
- Relief of severe **bladder outlet obstruction** causes a massive **osmotic diuresis** due to retained solutes (urea, sodium) and medullary washout, leads to potential **hypovolemic shock**.
- Management involves replacing **half of the urine output** with hypotonic fluids (e.g., **0.45% saline**) to maintain perfusion while allowing the body to correct the fluid-overload state.
*Acute tubular necrosis from obstruction; initiate dialysis preparation*
- While **creatinine elevation** suggests AKI, the primary issue here is the massive **volume loss** and hypotension following catheterization, rather than intrinsic renal failure.
- **Dialysis** is not indicated as the first step for post-obstructive AKI when the obstruction has been relieved and urine output is high.
*Sepsis from urinary tract infection; broad-spectrum antibiotics and vasopressors*
- Although **hypotension** occurs, the timeline immediately following drainage and the high-volume urine output points to **physiologic diuresis** rather than infectious shock.
- There is no mention of **fever**, leukocytosis, or cloudy urine to prioritize **sepsis** over post-obstructive diuresis.
*Prerenal azotemia from volume depletion; aggressive IV fluid resuscitation with normal saline*
- **Prerenal azotemia** usually presents with **oliguria**, not massive polyuria of 800 mL/hour; aggressive NS may worsen **hypernatremia** (148 mEq/L).
- **Aggressive resuscitation** with isotonic saline can stimulate further diuresis and fails to address the specific electrolyte needs of post-obstructive patients.
*SIADH from bladder distension; fluid restriction*
- **SIADH** results in water retention and **hyponatremia**, which contradicts this patient's high urine output and **hypernatremia** (148 mEq/L).
- **Fluid restriction** would be dangerous in a patient who is already **hypotensive** and losing 800 mL of fluid per hour.
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