Tuberculous epididymitis: a case report and literature review

Asian J Androl. 2005 Sep;7(3):329-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2005.00038.x.

Abstract

Tuberculous epididymitis is a rare urological disease difficult to diagnose. The conventional methods for diagnosis are often time-consuming and invasive. The combined use of scrotal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and urinary polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for mycobacterial DNA (the latter because of its high sensitivity and specificity to demonstrate mycobacterial DNA) is a valuable method for rapid diagnosis of tuberculous epididymitis. We report a 79-year-old man who was admitted with the chief complaints of bilateral scrotal swelling and pain. The combined use of scrotal MRI and urinary PCR allowed prompt diagnosis of tuberculous epididymitis and adequate antituberculous therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Epididymitis / diagnosis*
  • Epididymitis / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / genetics
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tuberculosis, Urogenital / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Urogenital / microbiology

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial