Torsion of the Spermatic Cord in Utero

TORSION of the spermatic cord and infarction of the testis in utero is an uncommon condition, and the number of reported cases is small enough to make additional cases of interest. A recent review of the literature by Peterson1revealed only 56 cases, 22 of which were noted at birth. The first case reported in this country was that of Campbell2in 1948. The incidence is certainly greater than is recognized or reported. Many cases may be mistaken for hematoma due to trauma incurred during the delivery and are not investigated further. Some of the many cases of atrophic testis of the adult may be the result of infarction of the testis in the newborn. Birth trauma may also be a cause of hemorrhage in the testis. The frequent occurrence of intratesticular hemorrhage during birth led Halpert3to make gross and microscopic examination of the testes of