in Peyronie's disease, the penis becomes curved due to asymmetrical fibrosis in the fascia surrounding the corpora cavernosa. Curvature towards the affected side is increased during an erection making intercourse difficult and painful
incidence of 0.3 to 3%; most common in men aged 40-60 years (1)
the aetiology is unknown - it is theorised that this condition may be the result of recurrent penile trauma during sexual intercourse
calcification in areas of fibrosis may be visible on X-ray - most plaques are more than 1.5cm in diameter and therefore also easily palpable
there is a high rate of spontaneous resolution in this condition (2)
surgical options for treatment include:
surgical excision of fibrotic areas may allow symmetric erection
alternatively, skin opposite the area of fibrosis may be reflected and excised to improve cosmesis (Nesbitt's operation)
note that surgical procedures should only be undertaken after a period of at least one year with no disease progression - this is because the results of surgical intervention might be jeopardised by recurrent curvature if the disorder progresses (1)
Peyronie's disease is associated with:
Dupuytren's contracture
premature atherosclerosis
Reference:
(1) Hauck EQ, Weidner W (2001). Francois de la Peyronie and the disease named after him. Lancet, 357 (9273), 2049-51.
(2) Gelbard MK et al (1990). The natural history of Peyronie's disease. J Urol, 144, 1376-9.
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