Imaging techniques for diagnosing and managing Peyronie disease

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 50% of men, with varied causes, often leading to delayed specialist care.
• Peyronie disease (PD) is a key cause of ED, characterized by fibrotic plaques in the tunica albuginea, resulting in painful penile contractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review penile anatomy, erectile function, and clinical features of PD.
• To describe imaging findings of vasculogenic ED and PD using ultrasound (US), CT, and MRI.
• To highlight imaging's role in treatment planning and evaluating post-surgical complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of penile anatomy and erectile physiology.
• Description of clinical features of Peyronie disease.
• Detailed analysis of imaging findings for vasculogenic ED and PD across US, CT, and MRI modalities.

Main Results:

• Imaging studies can detect nonpalpable plaques and underlying vasculogenic ED.
• Specific imaging appearances of PD on US, CT, and MRI are detailed.
• Imaging facilitates tailored surgical treatment and assessment of implantable penile prostheses.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced recognition of PD and vasculogenic ED through imaging improves patient management.
• Radiologists and urologists can collaborate effectively using imaging for pre- and post-treatment evaluation.
• Imaging serves as a crucial problem-solving tool for PD patients, optimizing surgical outcomes and device function.