Epididymo-Orchitis in Pre-Pubertal Children. Epidemiology, Etiology, Management and Follow-Up Recommendations

Abstract

Epididymo-Orchitis (EO) is a disease that may affect males in all ages. Neonates and elderly patients may suffer from bacterial infection due to congenital or aging processes affecting the urinary tract. In sexually active post pubertal and young males sexually transmitted organisms may cause EO. EO is also prevalent in pre pubertal healthy boys; however in this group the etiology, the needed imaging modalities and proper management are not clearly defined yet. This manuscript will systematically review the various etiologies causing EO in pre-pubertal boys, discus about the needed proper imaging, and image interpretation, will give treatment and follow-up recommendations.