[Induratio penis plastica: the diagnostic possibilities of gradient-echo sequences (magnetic resonance angiography)]

The authors investigated the diagnostic capabilities of gradient echo sequences (magnetic resonance angiography) in the study of induratio penis plastica. Twenty patients (mean age: 39 years) were examined. MRA was performed with a superconductive magnet (1.5 T) and a Helmoutz coil; the dynamic test with PGE (20-40 mg) was also carried out. The images acquired on the axial and sagittal planes were processed according to the MIP. The FLASH 2D sequence was used with the following parameters: FA 18 degrees, TR 40 ms, TE ms, MA 256 x 256, slice thickness 5 mm. A multiple choice card was filled in by a reader with the following diagnostic information: identification and localization of the plaques and involvement by the plaques of the albuginea, corpora cavernosa, septum and dorsal vein; surgery was the gold standard. MRA showed 10/11 plaques ranging 8-30 mm in diameter and missed a 5-mm plaque. Moreover, MRA depicted the infiltration of the albuginea in 10/10 cases, of the septum in 3/3 cases, of the dorsal vein in 4/4 cases and of the corpora cavernosa in 9/9 cases. Our preliminary experience shows that in the study of induratio penis plastica, the gradient echo sequence (MRA) permits better depiction of the plaques and of the infiltration of the corpora cavernosa, septum and albuginea.