Synonyms: penile fibrosis, induratio penis plastica
This a disorder of penile connective tissue, first brought to widespread medical attention by François Gigot de la Peyronie in 1743, although described in the medical literature back to the 13th century.1 Fibrous plaque formation occurs in the corpus cavernosum's tunica albuginea. There is inflammatory thickening with fibrin deposition, increased collagen production, decreased quantity of elastic fibres and subsequent fibrosis ± calcification. This leads to penile angulation or an hourglass-like deformity with distal flaccidity. It usually affects only the erect penis. Sexual intercourse can become painfully difficult or impossible. It is thought to occur (but nobody really knows) as a result of one-off or repeated penile vascular trauma causing leakage and immunological reaction in the relatively avascular tunica albuginea. Genetic susceptibility is thought to play a role.2 Studies suggest a link with low testosterone levels.3 A congenital form has also been described.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/urology/peyronies-disease-pro