Traumatic rupture of the corpora cavernosa: New physiopathologic acquisitions

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.