Hydrocele in recurrent acute pancreatitis caused by testicular venous obstruction: A case report of a rare complication (CARE-compliant)

RATIONALE: Scrotal swelling is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis. It had been explained by fluid accumulation in scrotum originated from abdomen. Here we demonstrated a case of recurrent pancreatitis with hydrocele caused by impaired testicular venous drainage. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 53-year-old man presented with sudden onset epigastric pain after an alcohol binge. Recurrent acute pancreatitis was confirmed by medical history, physical examination, elevated lipase level and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. Right scrotal swelling was noticed on the next day. DIAGNOSIS: The scrotal ultrasonography demonstrated fluid accumulation around the testis and varicocele consistent with scrotal hydrocele. CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis showed encasement of the right testicular vein by pancreatic phlegmon. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was subject to Nulla per os, hydration, and opioid analgesics for pancreatitis. No intervention was performed for scrotal swelling. OUTCOMES: Hydrocele gradually resolved along with acute pancreatitis. LESSONS: Pancreatic phlegmon compromised testicular venous return which led to scrotal hydrocele and posed a threat to fertility. The study has provided a novel pathologic linkage. This complication should be taken into account.