Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis (IPT) of the Corpus Cavernosum: A Hypothesis-Generating Case Series and Review of the Literature

Partial segmental thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum post prolonged run and MRI changes during follow-up: A case report

Partial segmental thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum (PSTCC) is a rare condition predominantly occurring in young men. We report a case of a 44-year-old man presenting with a spontaneous painful mass in the right proximal cavernous corpus (CC) one day following a prolonged run. An ultrasonography and MRI identified a thrombus in the CC. Anticoagulants and analgesics were prescribed, a non-surgical approach was chosen. Symptoms disappeared in a week as apparent by a reduction of thrombus on the MRI. Three years later, a residual thrombus with fibrosis was detected. Patient continues to be asymptomatic at the time of follow-up.

[Idiopathic partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum (IPTCC) : A rare urological emergency]

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum (IPTCC) is a rare, semi-acute disease in young, healthy men. In addition to an anatomical predisposition, perineal microtrauma is stated as the main risk factor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case report and the results of a literature search with descriptive-statistical processing of 57 peer-reviewed publications are presented. A therapy concept was drawn up for clinical practice.

RESULTS

Our patient was treated conservatively and was consistent with the 87 cases which have been published since 1976. IPTCC is a disease of young men (33.2 years, range 18-70), which is associated with pain and perineal swelling in 88%. Sonography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved to be the diagnostic modality of choice, demonstrating the thrombus and in 89% a connective tissue membrane inside the corpus cavernosum. Treatment included antithrombotic and analgesic (n = 54, 62.1%), surgical (n = 20, 23%), analgesic (n = 8, 9.2%), via injection (n = 2, 2.3%), as well as radiological interventional (n = 1, 1.1%) options. In 12 cases, erectile dysfunction, mostly temporary, which required phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 therapy developed. Recurrence and prolonged courses were rare.

CONCLUSION

IPTCC is a rare disease in young men. Conservative therapy with antithrombotic and analgesic treatment has shown good chances of full recovery. If relapse occurs or the patient refuses antithrombotic treatment, operative/alternative therapy management should be considered.

A case of unprovoked segmental proximal partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum

Partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum is an extremely rare and likely underdiagnosed urologic condition. We discuss a case of a 25-year-old male who presented with severe perineal pain and was diagnosed with idiopathic proximal partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum via ultrasound and MRI. The patient experienced symptom resolution with evidence of disease regression on follow up MRI after treatment with direct oral anticoagulation. Further studies are needed to fully delineate the pathophysiology of this condition to facilitate development of standardized diagnostic and treatment algorithms.

Bilateral partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum associated with the use of a stationary bike. Case report and literature review

Partial and segmental thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum is a rare pathology not entirely understood, however, there are some triggers that have been associated in its appearance. We present a case of a 36-year-old patient with bilateral partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, without priapism, after use of a stationary exercise bike. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance findings are shown, in which bilateral involvement stands out. The patient received conservative management with good response. This pathology is idiopathic and multiple factors have been associated to its origin, one of them being repetitive trauma due to sports activity.

Association between partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome: A scoping review

AIM

To describe the association between partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome.

METHODS

An scoping review was performed according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Moreover, we performed a search strategy using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. We included the available information, evaluating the conditions of partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome, and their molecular and physiological mechanisms and clinical presentation.

RESULTS

We identified 207 manuscripts and chose eight studies published between 2001 and 2021. The total number of patients was 34, and their mean age was 28.2 years. Moreover, in 84% of the studies, the pathophysiology of the events was related to microtrauma or prolonged perineal compression. Also, 94.2% of the patients had some degree of erectile dysfunction. In addition, out of all patients, 94% underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, patients with hard flaccid syndrome did not show relevant findings in these studies. Conversely, MRIs showed asymmetry in the proximal corpora cavernosa, thrombosed corpus cavernosum segments, and mainly cavernous fibrous septum in patients with partial cavernous thrombosis and partial priapism.

CONCLUSION

Partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome occurred more frequently in young patients, possibly related to microtraumas that generate cavernous fibrosis and trigger alterations in the erection of the distal portion of the penis. Also, they cause proximal hardening pelvic, perineal pain, painful ejaculations, and cavernous asymmetry. Moreover, the imaging characteristics are similar in patients with partial priapism and partial cavernous thrombosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

[Partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum: A new case with good outcomes under non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]

Partial priapism is a rare pathology with less than 60 cases published in the literature; the etiology remains unknown, although certain favorable factors are identified as having in relation a prolonged perineal compression or a thrombopathy. The symptomatology is characterized by the appearance of pain, perineal edema and an induration of the root of the penis, which do not concern the distal part of the penis or the glans. MRI is the best complementary examination. The first-line surgical treatment is abandoned. Medical treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or low molecular weight heparins combined with platelet aggregation inhibitors give good results with complete resolution of symptoms in 82% of cases; first-line medical treatment should be favored. We report a case of idiopathic partial priapism, successfully treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory without recurrence after 10 years.

Segmental partial thrombosis of the corpora cavernosa: Case report and diagnostic/therapeutic algorithm

Cavernous body thrombosis is a rare condition. The etiology and pathophysiology of this entity is still poorly understood and there is no clear diagnostic and treatment algorithm. The objective of this article is to publish a clinical case of a partial segmental thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum and present a flow chart for diagnosis and treatment based on the review of the published literature on this disease.

Surgical Management of Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis of the Corpus Cavernosum

A 36-year-old African American man presented to the emergency department with 2 days of left-sided perineal pain after sexual activity. He was found to have induration in the left perineum overlying the proximal left corporal body. Clinical picture was suspicious for traumatic corporal rupture; however, advanced imaging showed a proximal segmental thrombosis of the left corpus cavernosum. The patient underwent perineal exploration with evacuation of an intracorporal penile hematoma. In spite of disrupting a fibrous membrane in the proximal corpora and drainage of the corpora, we observed repeat tumescence during the procedure because of an observed arterial high-flow state in the corpora cavernosum. This was resolved with administration of phenylephrine into the cavernosum. The patient had return of normal erectile function 2 days after the procedure with resolution of pain at the site. Singh D, Larson T, Campbell K, et al. Surgical Management of Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis of the Corpus Cavernosum. Sex Med 2021;9:100273.

Corpus cavernosum thrombosis: The membrane may play its role

Partial thrombosis of corpus cavernosum is an uncommon condition that needs a high level of suspicious to be diagnosed. Imaging techniques may be very useful, and MR is the state-of-the-art technique. We present a case of a young male who presented to the emergency department with perineal and painful mass. MR imaging clearly depicted a thrombosed corpus cavernosum and a bilateral membrane that is possibly the underlying predisposing condition. With only conservative treatment the patient had an excellent outcome.