SYMPATHETIC ORCHIDOPATHIA

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (4) , 264-266
Abstract
Subfertility has followed unilateral torsion of the spermatic cord in more than half the patients studied. Since the anatomical anomaly that predisposes to torsion (a high investment of the tunica vaginalis) is commonly bilateral, there could be an associated congenital defect in spermatogenesis on each side. Alternatively, autoantigens escaping from the ischemic or exciting testis could trigger an immunological response which damages the contralateral or sympathizing testis. Demonstration of an autoallergic (sympathetic) orchidopathia, analogous to sympathetic ophthalmia, would fundamentally alter the management of testicular torsion.