Tuberculous epididymo-orchitis following intravesical BCG for superficial bladder cancer

J Med Liban. 2002 Jan-Apr;50(1-2):67-9.

Abstract

A seventy-two-year-old man with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder received intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) following which he developed left testicular pain and swelling that partially resolved with conservative treatment. Six months later a second course of BCG was given for recurrent disease. Ten months later, he developed left testicular swelling and severe induration along with a draining scrotal sinus. Tuberculous orchitis was suspected and a left orchiectomy was performed. Pathology showed caseating granulomatous orchitis and epididymitis with numerous acid fast bacilli on Ziehl-Neelson stain. The patient received a six-month course of antituberculous therapy. This case highlights a rare but serious complication of intravesical BCG.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravesical
  • Aged
  • BCG Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • BCG Vaccine / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / drug therapy*
  • Epididymitis / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orchitis / etiology*
  • Tuberculosis, Male Genital / etiology*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine