Filarial hydroceles and chyloceles

Filarial hydroceles and chyloceles

Filarial hydroceles and chyloceles account for up to 80% of hydroceles in tropical countries, where the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti is endemic. Filarial hydroceles follow repeated attacks of filarial epididymo-orchitis. Occasionally , the fluid contains liquid fat, which is rich in cholesterol. This is caused by rupture of a lymphatic varix with discharge of chyle into the hydrocele. In longstanding chyloceles, there are dense adhesions between the scrotum and its contents. Filarial elephantiasis supervenes in a small number of cases. Treatment is by rest and aspiration with chronic cases treated by excision of the sac. Otto Eduard Heinrich Wucherer , 1820–1873, German physician who practised in Brazil. Joseph Bancroft , 1836–1894, English physician working in Australia. -

Figure 86.11 Ultrasound image of an epididymal cyst (courtesy of Dr /uni00A0 Davide Prezzi).