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Peyronie disease

Morbus Peyronie (M. Peyronie, Peyronie's disease, induratio penis plastica)

The disease is caused by the process of scarring and fibrosis affecting the erectile bodies of the penis and issuing from the tunica albuginea (the sheath covering the erectile tissue of the penis). During this process, hard plaques (fibrous scarred tissue) are formed causing pain, curvature and deformation of the penis, usually during erection.

The disease thus represents abnormal local activation of the process of wound healing. Deposition of fibrin, which occurs in the early phase of plaque formation, can trigger cellular and enzymatic processes, finally leading to the formation of a hard scar.

Although this disease had been observed by Fallopie and Vesalie already in 1561, it was first completely described in 1743 by Francois Gigot de la Peyronie, personal physician of king Louis XIV. For its treatment, he used baths in mineral water from the source in Barèges in the Pyrenees.

What is the incidence of this disease?

Peyronie's disease affects ca 1-2 % of male population, usually between 45 and 60 years of age. Many patients, however, do not visit a physician due to mild symptoms or unwillingness to be examined.

The disease is most often manifested in the fifth decennium, in connection with age-determined generalized decrease of tissue elasticity.

The increasing number of patients with M. Peyronie is also connected with the number of men examined for erectile dysfunction.