Isolated Fracture of the Corpus SpongiosumA Rare Case with Atypical Presentation and Diagnostic Role of MRI

Abstract

Penile fractures occur due to rupture of the corpora cavernosum or tunica albuginea secondary to blunt or sexual trauma to the erect penis. They typically present with rapid detumescence of the penis, with pain, swelling and ecchymosis. Approximately 10-20% of penile fractures involve the urethra. The report presents a 28-years-old male patient that complained of per-urethral bleeding, following an injury to an erect penis. With the help of MRI and intra-operative cystoscopy, found that the injury exclusively involved corpus spongiosum. He subsequently underwent a penile exploration and repair of the spongiosal defect. At one year follow up, he had normal erections with no per-urethral bleed. This is a rare form of presentation of penile fractures with only a few cases reported in literature. Surgical exploration remains the gold standard and early exploration is recommended to avoid erectile dysfunction, corporal fibrosis and urethral strictures and MRI is an useful adjunct.

Keywords

• cystoscopy
• penile fracture
• spongiosal injury