1. PEYRONIE’S DISEASE
ICD-9: 607.85

2. What is Peyronie’s Disease?
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Peyronie’s Disease is
an acquired
inflammatory
condition where the
development of
fibrous scar tissue
inside the penis
causes curved, painful
erections.

3. The name “Peyronie’s
Disease” is derived from
the physician Francois
Gigot de la Peyronie, the
personal physician to
King Louis XV of France.
De la Peyronie wrote an
authoritative description
of the disorder in 1743.
His name has been
associated with the
condition since.
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4. What causes Peyronie’s?
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The exact cause of Peyronie’s Disease is unclear.
Many researchers believe the plaque of Peyronie’s
Disease can develop following trauma (hitting or
bending) that causes localized bleeding inside the
penis with tissue damage. In other cases, the
disease may be genetically linked or inherited.
Other suggested causes include vasculitis-an
inflammation of blood or lymphatic vessels that
leads to scar tissue formation, and a possible
autoimmune disorder.

6. Symptoms of Peyronie’s
Symptoms may develop slowly or appear
overnight. When the penis is soft, no problem can
be seen.
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7. Symptoms (continued)
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A bend in the erect penis
Narrowing of the penis with erection
Shortening of the penis
Lumps in the penis
Painful erections
Pain during intercourse
Soft erections
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Difficult penetration due to curvature of the penis

8. Diagnosis
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Physical Examination-an experienced physician
can feel the hardened tissue. The hard plaques can
usually be felt with or without an erect penis
though it may be necessary to induce an erection.
Procedures-ultrasound or x-ray examination can
be used to detect and characterize plaque and any
calcification.

9. Treatment
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Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease depends on the
duration and severity of the condition. The goals of
treatment are to relieve pain, restore penile anatomy
for comfortable intercourse, and restore any lost
erectile function. In about 13% of cases, the disease
goes away without treatment. No treatment is
required if:
There is no pain
Plaques are small
The curvature is minor
Sexual function is satisfactory

10. Treatment (continued)
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Oral Medications:
Vitamin E
Potassium amino-benzoate
Tamoxifen
Cholchicine
Carnitine
Verapamil
Interferon alpha-2b

11. Treatment (continued)
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Surgery- is reserved for men with severe, disabling
penile deformities that prevent satisfactory sexual
intercourse.
Shortening the unaffected side: The Nesbit procedure
removes the tunica on the affected side to correct the
bending.
Lengthening of the affected side: The scar tissue may be cut
or removed to allow the tunica albuginea to stretch
and the penis to straighten.
Penile implants: to replace the corpora cavernosa the
semi-rigid implants are bent up manually for
intercourse and bent down to appear flacid.

14. Treatment (continued)
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Non-surgical
treatments for
Peyronie’s disease
include:
External penile
traction therapy, to
improve
girth, length, and
curvature.
Radiation therapy, to
reduce pain.
Shock wave
lithotripsy, which can
break up plaque.

15. References
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Kaplan Quad/The Gale Encyclopedia of
Medicine/Peyronie’s Disease
WedMD/Erectile Dysfunction Health
Center/Peyronie’s Disease
UrologyHealth.org/Urology Care
Foundation/Peyronie’s Disease
Mayo Clinic.com/Diseases and
conditions/Peyronie’s Disease