Self-implanted artificial nodules: a computed tomography mimic of penile pathology

Self-introduction of foreign bodies along the penile shaft has been reported in several ethnic and social groups, mainly in Asia, and recently has been described in Europe. We present the case of a 34-year-old homeless Russian immigrant who had an abdominal CT performed during an emergency department visit. On the CT scan, several hyperdense, well-demarcated subcutaneous nodules along the penile shaft were noted. Following a focused history and physical examination, the nodules were found to represent artificial foreign bodies made of glass, which were self-introduced by the patient in order to allegedly increase the pleasure of sexual partners. Penile nodules may be a manifestation of diverse pathological entities including infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes. It is important for the radiologist to be familiar with this social phenomenon and its radiological appearance in order to avoid erroneous diagnosis.