Partial segmental thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum presenting with perineal pain

BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Nov 22:2016:bcr2016217748. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-217748.

Abstract

We describe the case of a man aged 43 years who presented with a 2-week history of a palpable lump in the right proximal penile shaft. This was preceded by a 6-month history of perineal pain, accompanied by erectile dysfunction. An urgent MRI scan of his penis identified a thrombus within the right crus and corpus of the penis. His thrombophilia screen was normal. The patient was started on oral anticoagulation and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE-5i) to prevent thrombus progression and maintain erectile function. At 5 months, the patients' symptoms had resolved and an MRI showed a reduction in the thrombus size. MRI is a useful imaging modality to diagnose a thrombus within the corpus cavernosum in patients presenting with a history of penile and perineal pain together with a palpable lump. The non-enhancement of the lesion helps to differentiate this from alternative rare lesions within the penis and perineum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pelvic Pain / etiology*
  • Penile Diseases / complications*
  • Penis / blood supply*
  • Perineum*
  • Thrombosis / complications*