Penile ultrasonography

Penile Ultrasonography

Normal penis ultrasound

Penile ultrasonography is a diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate the penis and its associated structures. This non-invasive procedure employs ultrasound waves to produce images of the penile anatomy, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions affecting the penis.

Indications

Penile ultrasonography is indicated for a variety of clinical conditions, including:

• Erectile dysfunction: To assess blood flow and identify vascular causes.
• Peyronie's disease: To evaluate fibrous plaques and penile curvature.
• Penile trauma: To detect injuries such as penile fracture or hematoma.
• Priapism: To differentiate between ischemic and non-ischemic types.
• Penile cancer: To assess tumor size and local invasion.

Technique

The procedure is typically performed with the patient in a supine position. A high-frequency linear transducer is used to obtain detailed images of the penile structures. The examination may include both B-mode ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasonography to assess blood flow.

B-mode Ultrasonography

Longitudinal ultrasonography of the penis

B-mode ultrasonography provides grayscale images of the penile anatomy, allowing for the visualization of the corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, and the tunica albuginea. It is useful for identifying structural abnormalities such as plaques or calcifications.

Doppler Ultrasonography

Longitudinal doppler ultrasonography of the penis

Doppler ultrasonography evaluates blood flow within the penile arteries and veins. It is particularly useful in assessing conditions like erectile dysfunction and priapism. The procedure involves measuring the peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity in the cavernosal arteries.

Pathological Findings

Penile Fracture

Ultrasonography of ruptured tunica albuginea

Penile fracture is characterized by a rupture of the tunica albuginea. Ultrasonography can reveal a discontinuity in the tunica, often accompanied by a hematoma.

Arteriovenous Fistula

Ultrasonography of traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the penis

An arteriovenous fistula may occur following trauma. Doppler ultrasonography can demonstrate abnormal connections between arteries and veins, with turbulent blood flow patterns.

Calcification

Ultrasonography of corpus cavernosum calcification

Calcifications within the corpus cavernosum can be visualized as hyperechoic areas on B-mode ultrasonography. These may be associated with conditions like Peyronie's disease.

Advantages and Limitations

Penile ultrasonography is a safe, non-invasive, and relatively inexpensive diagnostic tool. It provides real-time imaging and can be performed in an outpatient setting. However, its accuracy is operator-dependent, and it may not detect all pathological conditions.

Related Pages

• Ultrasonography
• Erectile dysfunction
• Peyronie's disease
• Penile fracture
• Priapism