Prenatal sonographic evaluation of the penile length

Abstract

Objective: To construct cross-sectional reference range of the penile length during pregnancy, measuring it from the proximal edge of the corpus cavernosum to the tip of the glans penis.

Methods: Fetal penile length was measured by high resolution transvaginal ultrasound at 14 to 16 weeks and by transabdominal ultrasound at 17 to 35 weeks' gestation.

Results: Fetal penile length increased significantly with gestational age (GA), from 7 mm at 14 weeks' to 50 mm at 35 weeks' gestation. Penile length measurements were strongly related to the biometric fetal measurements.

Conclusions: A reference range of the fetal penile length was constructed, measured from the proximal edge of the corpus cavernosum to the tip of the glans penis at 14 to 35 gestational weeks. This reference range can assist in early identification of true penile maldevelopment, which obligate further diagnostic workup, as opposed to the benign disorder of buried or concealed fetal penis.