Clinical exam
The absence of the cremasteric reflex in an acutely painful testicle is most indicative of testicular torsion (the twisting of the spermatic cord of the testicle makes reflexive responses all but impossible). The cremasteric reflex normally causes elevation of the testicle by stroking the inner thigh. Absence is especially common in children, but its presence does not exclude a diagnosis of testicular torsion.On physical examination, the testis can be swollen, tender, high-riding, and with an abnormal transverse lie.Prehns sign, a classic physical exam finding, has not been reliable in distinguishing torsion from other causes of testicular pain such as epididymitis. The individual will not usually have a fever, though nausea is common. Imaging
A doppler ultrasound scan of the scrotum can identify the absence of blood flow in the twisted testicle and is nearly 90% accurate in diagnosis. It can also help distinguish torsion from epididymitis.Radionuclide scanning (scintigraphy) of the scrotum is the most accurate imaging technique, but it is not routinely available, particularly with the urgency that might be required. The agent of choice for this purpose is technetium-99m pertechnetate. Initially it provides a radionuclide angiogram, followed by a static image after the radionuclide has perfused the tissue. In the healthy patient, initial images show symmetric flow to the testes, and delayed images show uniformly symmetric activity. In testicular torsion, the images may show heterogenous activity within the affected testicle. Treatment
Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention to restore the flow of blood to the testicle.
The dawn phenomenon, sometimes called the dawn effect, is an observed increase in blood sugar (glucose) levels that takes place in the early-morning, often between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. First described by Schmidt in 1981 as an increase of blood glucose or insulin demand occurring at dawn, this naturally occurring phenomenon is frequently seen among the general population and is clinically relevant for patients with diabetes as it can affect their medical management. In contrast to Chronic Somogyi rebound, the dawn phenomenon is not associated with nocturnal hypoglycemia. Physiology
Although not yet completely understood, the dawn phenomenon is thought to be caused by an exaggeration of the normal physiologic hormonal processes that occur overnight. Overnight the human body sees increased levels of several hormones, most notably growth hormone and catecholamines, that lead to increased rates of glucose production and release from the liver. These hormones also inhibit the effects of insulin, leading to an overall increase in circulating blood glucose. This effect is amplified in patients with islet β-cell dysfunction such as diabetics. Notably throughout this process glucagon levels remain unchanged and the increased levels of cortisol observed overnight do not appear to be involved. Observed hyperglycemia secondary to the dawn phenomenon is often defined as an increase in blood glucose of at least >1.1mmol/L (20mg/dL) between the lowest level at night and the highest level before breakfast; however, actual ranges may vary.The physiologic process involved in causing the dawn phenomenon has been shown to occur in most people.