Objectives. To investigate the physiopathologic mechanisms of the rupture o
f the corpora cavernosa by means of a histologic study of the tunica albugi
nea.
Methods. In 6 patients (age range 28 to 49 years, mean 38) with traumatic p
enile rupture, samples of the tunica albuginea were taken during corrective
surgery far from the site of the lesion. These specimens were analyzed wit
h light microscopy by the same pathologist and compared with other samples
of tunica albuginea taken from 7 patients who underwent penile surgery for
other reasons.
Results. Five of the 6 patients with traumatic penile rupture had histologi
c anomalies of the tunica albuginea (fibrosclerosis in all 5 patients [83%]
and phlogistic cellular infiltrations composed of lymphocytes or histiocyt
es in 3 patients [50%]). Only 1 patient (17%) with traumatic rupture of the
corpus cavernosum had a completely healthy tunica albuginea. None of the c
ontrol specimens revealed any histologic alterations.
Conclusions. Structural anomalies could alter the mechanical properties of
the tunica albuginea, representing a weakening factor of the corpora cavern
osa and thus a predisposing factor for traumatic rupture of the penis. Ther
efore, patients with anomalous albuginea could undergo penile rupture even
at intracavernous pressures inferior to pressures usually necessary to caus
e rupture in patients with healthy albuginea. UROLOGY 57: 319-322, 2001. (C
) 2001, Elsevier Science Inc.