HY USMLE Q #1152 – Repro

A 6-week-old boy is brought to the pediatrician by his mother for a 2-week history of gradual enlargement of the scrotum. Physical examination shows an enlargement of the left hemiscrotum with positive transillumination. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of this patient’s presentation and treatment?

  Genetic propensity; Dilation of the pampiniform plexus; observation
  Genetic propensity; Dilation of the pampiniform plexus; surgical closure
  Genetic propensity; Epididymal accumulation of fluid; observation
  Genetic propensity; Epididymal accumulation of fluid; surgical closure
  Genetic propensity; Patent processus vaginalis; observation
  Genetic propensity; Patent processus vaginalis; surgical closure
  Spontaneous occurrence; Dilation of the pampiniform plexus; observation
  Spontaneous occurrence; Dilation of the pampiniform plexus; surgical closure
  Spontaneous occurrence; Epididymal accumulation of fluid; observation
  Spontaneous occurrence; Epididymal accumulation of fluid; surgical closure
  Spontaneous occurrence; Patent processus vaginalis; observation
  Spontaneous occurrence; Patent processus vaginalis; surgical closure