Purpose: We discuss the clinical appearance and natural outcome of Peyronie's disease.
Materials and methods: During an 8-year period 307 men with Peyronie's disease were evaluated, and clinical characteristics, risk (factors), penile deformities, erectile status and outcome were analyzed.
Results: Mean patient age plus or minus standard deviation was 52.8 +/- 9.3 years (range 23 to 76). Penile deformity, pain on erection and palpable nodule were the most common (85%) presenting symptoms, usually in different combinations. The remaining 15% of men (mean age 59.4 +/- 6.5 years) were not aware of the penile deformity and were diagnosed during standard evaluation for erectile dysfunction. Dorsal (45.6%) and lateral (29.3%) were the most common curvatures. The degree of deformity was less than 30 degrees in 42.7% of patients, 31 to 60 degrees in 38.8% and greater than 60 degrees in 18.6%. At least 1 risk factor for systemic vascular disease was identified in 67.5% of patients, and hypercholesterolemia and diabetes were the most common. Patients with at least 1 risk factor had a significantly higher risk for severe penile deformity. Of the men 54.4% complained of erectile dysfunction and the probability of diminished erectile capacity was 86.7% in patients older than 60 years, with Peyronie's disease for more than 12 months and at least 1 risk factor. Of 63 patients presenting with the acute phase of disease penile deformity deteriorated in 30.2%, did not change in 66.7% and resolved spontaneously in 3.2% without any treatment after a mean followup of 8.4 months.
Conclusions: Our data show that penile deformities are disabling (greater than 30 degrees) in 62.5% of cases. Risk factors, such as serum lipid abnormalities, diabetes and hypertension, seem to have significant impact on the severity of symptoms and outcome. Patients must be informed that Peyronie's disease is progressive in 30.2% without treatment and spontaneous resolution is rare.