penis pathology

vascular impotence

caused by vascular compromise to or within the penis that results in the inability to obtain or maintain an erection

vascular impotence could be caused by:

diabetic neuropathy, in which case the tiny vessels within the penis are damaged

in normal men, there is an increase in arterial flow to the cavernosal arteries that can be determined by evaluating the systolic velocities. In addition, normally, the venous outflow will become partially blocked, and the diastolic flow will greatly decrease. the diagnosis of venous incompetence can be made if:

the diastolic flow does not decrease

in healthy individuals, the cavernosal artery velocities measure:

10 to 15 cm per second in the flaccid state

Peyronie disease

the buildup of fibrous plaque (scar tissue) and calcifications within the penis that results in a painful curvature

clinical findings of Peyronie disease:

• impotence

• painful erections

• area of scar tissue can typically be palpated

• marked curvature of the penis

sonographic findings of Peyronie disease:

thickening of the tunica albuginea that may also contain areas of calcification

fracture of the penis

• can occur with blunt sexual trauma

• the audible sound of a popping or cracking sound is often heard because typically one of the corpora cavernosa snaps under the pressure

ecchymosis

a subcutaneous spot of bleeding

if penile trauma occurs, careful assessment of the tunica albuginea for evidence of penile urethra damage is warranted because:

interruption to the urethra can lead to voiding complications

clinical findings of penile trauma:

• history of hearing an audible popping sound during intercourse

• subcutaneous bleeding area

sonographic findings of penile trauma:

an irregular hypoechoic or hyperechoic defect at the site of rupture