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Electron Microscopic Study of the Penile Plaques and Adjacent Corpora Cavernosa in Peyronie's Disease
Author(s) -
Hirano Daisaku,
Takimoto Yukie,
Yamamoto Tadao,
Hirakata Hitoshi,
Kawata Nozomu
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
international journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.172
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1442-2042
pISSN - 0919-8172
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2042.1997.tb00188.x
Subject(s) - peyronie's disease , tunica albuginea (penis) , medicine , myofibroblast , penis , pathology , ultrastructure , electron microscope , anatomy , fibrosis , physics , optics
Background We conducted ultrastructural studies to clarify the fine structure of penile plaques and adjacent corpora cavernosa, and the causative basis for the process, in Peyronie's disease. Methods Penile plaques and adjacent corpora cavernosa were obtained during surgical extirpation from 5 patients with Peyronie's disease. Control tissues from the tunica albuginea and adjacent corpora cavernosa were obtained at penile amputation from 2 patients with penile cancer. Prepared tissues were examined by using electron microscopy. Results Penile plaques were composed of collagen fibrils, amorphous particulate material, and fibroblasts in all patients. In 1 of 5 patients, myofibroblasts were found in the border area between the lesion and underlying structures. Smooth‐muscle cells and endothelial cells resembling myofibroblasts were noted in adjacent corpora cavernosa. In this patient, the plaque progressively enlarged, and was removed within 1 year of onset of the induration. Conclusions Fibromatosis in Peyronie's disease involves both fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which undergo sclerosis in some phase. In addition, smooth‐muscle cells and endothelial cells in the adjacent corpora cavernosa may be incorporated in the fibromatosis.