Fact-sheet: Rupture of the corpus cavernosum
Updated on 09/17/2021 at 12:16 PM
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Definition
Traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of one of the two corpora cavernosa of the penis.
May extend to the corpus spongiosum and urethra.
Fracture line most often unilateral and transverse, most often located proximally on the shaft,
always distal to the suspensory ligament of the penis
Clinical features
Often occurring during overly vigorous sexual intercourse, most commonly in young adults.
Rare condition.
Hematoma of the penis that may extend into the scrotum or toward the Perineum
Laboratory findings
none
Radiography
none
Ultrasound
Emergency ultrasound although the diagnosis is clinical.
Its purpose is to localize the tear to guide the surgical procedure, making it less invasive (incision at the site indicated by the radiologist for suturing the tear and evacuating the hematoma).
Preferential involvement of the base of the penis and left corpus cavernosum is noted.
Performed as first-line imaging.
-Hypoechoic area of the corpus cavernosum reflecting contusion
-Loss of continuity of the tunica albuginea and corpus cavernosum reflecting
rupture of the tunica albuginea
-Hematoma of the penis
CT
none
MRI
Sometimes performed, ultrasound is fast and accessible and gives similar results.
Its purpose is also to localize a tear.
Second-line if ultrasound is inconclusive.
-Loss of continuity of the T1 and T2 hypointensity of the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum, reflecting rupture of the tunica albuginea
Management
Emergency surgery.
Emergency surgical exploration, assessment of injuries, and repair
Differential diagnosis
none