title: Methamphetamine use can mimic testicular torsion.
abstract: We report the case of a patient presenting with the classic clinical appearance of testicular torsion. Ultrasound showed testicular ischemia supporting the clinical diagnosis, but the lack of visualization of spermatic cord torsion was of concern. An attempt of clinical detorsion was considered unsuccessful and the patient was explored. No torsion was found. On postoperative review of the patient's medical history, we found methamphetamine use, with a positive urine test at the time of his emergent consultation for the scrotal pain episode. The use of amphetamines has been previously reported as the cause of ischemia of multiple organs, but we could not find previous reports of involvement of the testis mimicking torsion.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3100, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Doherty
authors.forename: Eugenio O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Gerscovich
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Corwin
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Wilkendorf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013086:Spermatic Cord Torsion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine
keywords: amphetamines; scrotum; sonography; testis; torsion