Ohio A patient information handout on Peyronie's disease, written by the authors of this article, is provided on page 554. Peyronie's disease is an acquired inflammatory condition of the penis associated with penile curvature and, in some cases, pain. It primarily affects men between 45 and 60 years of age, although an age range of 18 to 80 years has been reported. If left untreated, Peyronie's disease may cause fibrotic, nonexpansile thickening of relatively discrete areas of the corpora tunica, typically resulting in focal bend, pain or other functional or structural abnormalities of the erect penis. Many cases resolve without treatment.
Surgery remains a mainstay when conservative measures fail.
P eyronie's disease was first described in 1704. The penile curvature of Peyronie's disease is caused by an inelastic scar, or plaque, that shortens the involved aspect of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa during erection. In approximately one third of patients, the scarring involves the dorsal and ventral aspects of the shaft. The circumference of the shaft may also be reduced, resulting in an erect penis that is flail at the site of the constriction, firm proximal to the constriction and soft distally. The first symptom of Peyronie's disease may be focal pain with erection, new curvature with erection or inability to penetrate as a result of curvature or distal flaccidity.