Acute penile trauma: imaging features in the emergency setting

Radiol Med. 2019 Dec;124(12):1270-1280. doi: 10.1007/s11547-019-01065-1. Epub 2019 Jul 13.

Abstract

In an emergency department, penile traumas are uncommon and a prompt diagnosis is necessary. Penile injury may result from penetrating and non-penetrating trauma. Non-penetrating injuries can produce cavernosal hematomas or fractures: if not treated promptly, these lesions can result in fibrosis or erectile dysfunction. Penile traumatic lesions need a clinical approach first, but a radiological study is often required: ultrasonography with color and spectral Doppler study is usually the first approach. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging may be performed to better recognize even small discontinuity of the tunica albuginea. Radiologists have to be aware of the various radiological patterns of penile traumatic lesions, in order to establish a prompt and correct diagnosis.

Keywords: Fracture; Magnetic resonance; Penile trauma; Priapism; Retrograde urethrography; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cicatrix / etiology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Fibrosis / etiology
  • Hematoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Penile Erection
  • Penis / anatomy & histology
  • Penis / injuries*
  • Priapism / etiology
  • Rupture / diagnostic imaging
  • Rupture / etiology
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
  • Urethra / diagnostic imaging
  • Urethra / injuries
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wounds, Penetrating / complications
  • Wounds, Penetrating / diagnostic imaging*