MR imaging of the penis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Urology

Background:

• Penile anatomy and vascularity are complex.
• Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers detailed visualization.
• Understanding MR signal variations is key.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the utility of MR imaging in evaluating penile anatomy and diseases.
• To highlight the capabilities of high-field surface coil MR imaging.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing high-field surface coil MR imaging.
• Employing three-dimensional MR angiography for larger vessels.
• Direct multiplanar imaging capabilities.

Main Results:

• MR imaging differentiates signal intensity between corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum based on blood flow.
• Detailed visualization of penile soft tissues, vascular structures, and layers.
• Demonstration of smaller end arteries remains a challenge.

Conclusions:

• High-field surface coil MR imaging is valuable for assessing penile soft-tissue and vascular anatomy.
• MR imaging aids in detecting and staging penile cancers, characterizing masses, and evaluating conditions like impotence, fractures, and Peyronie disease.