Scrotal Hydrocele in a Preterm Neonate With Severe Sepsis: A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47701/8cym1e15Keywords:
Hydrocele;, preterm infant, neonatal sepsis, scrotal swelling, very low birth weight.Abstract
Hydrocele is a common cause of scrotal enlargement in
neonates; however, its assessment becomes more complex
in critically ill preterm infants because scrotal swelling may
also indicate inguinal hernia, testicular torsion, hematoma,
infection, or generalized edema. This case report describes
a preterm neonate with very low birth weight, severe
neonatal sepsis, respiratory distress, hypoalbuminemia,
and ultrasonography-confirmed right scrotal hydrocele. A
male infant was delivered by cesarean section at 31 weeks
and one day of gestation because of severe maternal
preeclampsia. His birth weight was 1,435 g. The infant
experienced perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress
requiring continuous positive airway pressure,
bronchopneumonia, severe sepsis, anemia,
thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and systemic
edema. Right scrotal edema was observed during
hospitalization, and ultrasonography subsequently
confirmed right hydrocele. The infant received intensive
supportive care, respiratory support, antimicrobial therapy,
nutritional support, and albumin transfusion but died
following cardiorespiratory arrest. This case highlights the
need for systematic assessment of scrotal swelling in
critically ill preterm neonates and careful differentiation
between hydrocele and urgent inguinoscrotal disorders.
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