History, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of Peyronie's disease

Abstract

Peyronie's disease is a localized connective tissue disorder that involves the tunica albuginea of the penis. The formation of fibrotic plaques in the tunica albuginea and surrounding cavernosal tissue alters penile anatomy and can cause different degrees of bending and narrowing, as well as penile pain and erectile dysfunction. Although long recognized as an important clinical entity of the male genitalia, the etiology of this disease has remained poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that this disorder may be more prevalent than previously reported. The following review will examine the history, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of Peyronie's disease.