Beware the Empty Sac. Case of Cryptorchid Testicular Torsion in the Inguinal Canal

Undescended testis is a common urogenital disorder whereas testicular torsion is a well-recognized urological emergency. However, torsion of an undescended testis remains a rare clinical entity.

We present a case of torsion of an undescended testis located in the inguinal canal in an otherwise healthy 13-year-old boy who presented with a painful mass in the groin. He underwent pre-operative imaging studies and subsequently surgical exploration which revealed a twisted gangrenous testis.

Due to the rarity of the condition, the case presented us with diagnostic challenges.

This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis to improve salvage rate of the testis.