Following sexual intercourse, a person develops pain in the left testes that does not get relieved on elevation of scrotum. Diagnosis is:
The key here is the fact that the pain doesn't improve with scrotal elevation. I think there's a specific sign related to that. Oh right, Prehn's sign. If elevating the scrotum relieves the pain, it's more likely epididymitis. But if it doesn't, that's a bad sign for testicular torsion. Torsion is a medical emergency because it can cut off blood supply, leading to testicular necrosis if not treated quickly.
So, the correct diagnosis here is testicular torsion. The other options might include epididymitis, which usually has a history of infection or fever, and Prehn's sign is positive. Orchitis would present with fever and maybe systemic symptoms. A hernia might cause pain but is more related to a bulge and doesn't typically present post-sexual activity.
Wait, let me double-check the options. The user hasn't provided the actual options, but common distractors would be epididymitis, orchitis, hernia, or maybe even something like a varicocele. Since the correct answer is torsion, the incorrect ones would be those other conditions. The key is the lack of pain relief with elevation, which is a classic sign of torsion.
**Core Concept**
This question tests the differential diagnosis of acute scrotal pain, focusing on **Prehn's sign** as a clinical tool. Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency distinguished by **non-relief of pain with scrotal elevation**, while epididymitis typically shows **pain relief** with elevation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Testicular torsion occurs due to twisting of the spermatic cord, obstructing blood flow to the testis. Pain is severe and unrelenting, often post-coitus due to increased cremasteric muscle activity. **Prehn's sign (absent pain relief with elevation)** is a key clinical differentiator from epididymitis. Immediate imaging (color Doppler ultrasound) and surgical exploration are critical to preserve testicular viability.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Epididymitis* typically presents with gradual onset, fever, and **positive Prehn's sign** (pain relief with elevation).
**Option B:** *Orchitis* is accompanied by systemic symptoms (fever) and often linked to viral infections (e.g., mumps).
**Option C:** *Hernia* causes scrotal swelling and pain, but elevation does not trigger or relieve symptoms.
**Clinical Pearl**
Remember the **"TEN" rule** for testicular torsion: **T**orsion occurs in **E**xtraordinary pain (unrelenting), **N**ot relieved by scrotal elevation. Always prioritize imaging and surgical referral in suspected cases.
**Correct Answer: C. Testicular torsion**