2026 Clinician Corner - Ruptured hydrocele: a case report highlighting the diagnostic value of early MRI in acute scrotal pathology

CE BROKER: For Texas physicians who have updated their EthosCE profile, credit claimed for this activity will be reported to CE Broker.

Abstract 

Hydroceles are a common cause of scrotal swelling due to the accumulation of fluid between the visceral and parietal layers of the tunica vaginalis. Although typically painless, significant scrotal swelling can negatively impact testicular function and an individual’s quality of life. In rare instances, a hydrocele can rupture, often causing significant pain and complicating the diagnosis of other scrotal conditions. We present a 27-year-old man with a 9.8 × 4.1 cm hydrocele that ruptured, highlighting the lack of established diagnostic and management measures for this infrequent condition.

Keywords:  Acute scrotum; hydrocele; rupture; scrotal pain; scrotal swelling

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Faculty credentials/disclosure 

Harshith Dasara, BSca, Bradley Conn, BSca, and Sadat Shamim, MDb

a Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas, USA

b Department of Neurology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA

Corresponding author: Sadat Shamim, MD, 3434 Swiss Avenue, Ste. 400, Dallas, TX 75246 (e-mail: [email protected])

ORCID Sadat Shamim iD http://orcid.org/0009-0004-4091-6969

The planners and faculty for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The authors report no funding. The patient consented to publication of this case report.

Corresponding author: Austin T. Jones, MD, 4310 James Casey St., Building 3, Austin, TX 78745 (e-mail: [email protected])

ORCID Austin T Jones: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4733-1946

The planners and faculty for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The authors report no funding. The patient consented to publication of this case report.

Process

Click the "add to cart/begin" button, pay any relevant fee, take the quiz, complete the evaluation, and claim your CME credit.  You must achieve 100% on the quiz with unlimited attempts available.

  • By completing this process, you are attesting that you have read the journal article.

Expiration date:

Credit eligibility for this article is set to expire on September 1, 2027.

Learning Objectives

After completing the article, the learner should be able to:

  • Explain the origins of hydroceles.
  • Identify the diagnostic workup for hydroceles.
  • Outline potential management for hydroceles.

Key Points 

  • Hydroceles are abnormal fluid collections between the visceral and parietal layers of the tunica vaginalis.
  • Management of hydroceles can range from observation and aspiration with sclerotherapy to hydrocelectomy.

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Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) MOC Part 2

    Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

  • 1.00 American Board of Surgery (ABS) Accredited CME

    Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
09/01/2026
Course expires: 
09/01/2027
Cost:
$25.00

Marissa N. Rosa, BSa, Sara Vidovic, MDb, Stephanie E. Harris, MDa,b, and Marawan M. El Tayeb, MDa,b

 

aBaylor College of Medicine - Temple, Temple, Texas, USA

bBaylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, Temple, Texas, USA

Corresponding authors: Marissa N. Rosa (e-mail: [email protected]; X: @mnrosa_10); Marawan M. El Tayeb, MD, 2401 S 31st St Temple, TX, 76508 (e-mail: [email protected]; X: @marawaneltayeb)

Dr. El Tayeb is an advisor for Storz and a past speaker for Cook. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. The planners and other faculty for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The authors report no funding. The patient consented to publication of this case report.

Accreditation

The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABS CC

Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

ABIM MOC

 Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.0 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) MOC Part 2

    Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

  • 1.00 American Board of Surgery (ABS) Accredited CME

    Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 Attendance

Price

Cost:
$25.00
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