[Acute epididymitis in Schoenlein-Henoch purpura: a case report of emergency exploration].

A case of acute scrotal swelling with pain in a 4-year-old boy suffering from Schoenlein-Henoch purpura is reported. Immediate scrotal exploration revealed epididymal ecchymosis and slightly edematous spermatic cord on the right side. Spermatic cord torsion was not recognized. The testis had a normal appearance. Convalescence was uneventful. Scrotal lesion disappeared within a week. Schoenlein-Henoch purpura is systemic vasculitis, which is noticed on any site of the body including male external genitalia. Several reports mainly on the testicular lesion have been made, but the epididymal findings were obscure. This case showed the prominent lesion on the epididymis. The anatomical architecture of the epididymis suggested that the principal inflammatory change of scrotal signs of Schoenlein-Henoch purpura is epididymitis.