Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid between the two layers of tunica vaginalis is called which of the following?

Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid between the two layers of tunica vaginalis is called which of the following?

• A. Hydrocele
• B. Hematocele
• C. Spermatocele
• D. Chylocele

Answer: (A)

Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid between the two layers of the tunica vaginalis is called a hydrocele. The tunica vaginalis surrounds the testis and has a potential space between its visceral and parietal layers; when serous fluid collects there, the scrotum enlarges while the testicle itself remains non-diseased. On ultrasound, this appears as a well-defined, anechoic fluid collection surrounding the testis with the testicular parenchyma typically normal. It’s usually simple and transilluminates clinically, though it can be complex if infection or hemorrhage is present. Differentiate this from a hematocele (blood in the same space), a spermatocele (epididymal cystic dilation near the testis), or a chylocele (lymphatic fluid accumulation, often with different location or contents).

Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid between the two layers of the tunica vaginalis is called a hydrocele. The tunica vaginalis surrounds the testis and has a potential space between its visceral and parietal layers; when serous fluid collects there, the scrotum enlarges while the testicle itself remains non-diseased. On ultrasound, this appears as a well-defined, anechoic fluid collection surrounding the testis with the testicular parenchyma typically normal. It’s usually simple and transilluminates clinically, though it can be complex if infection or hemorrhage is present. Differentiate this from a hematocele (blood in the same space), a spermatocele (epididymal cystic dilation near the testis), or a chylocele (lymphatic fluid accumulation, often with different location or contents).