Complete penile corporeal septation: evaluation with contrast enhanced US.

Authors :: Bertolotto M
Bucci S
Quaia E
Coss M
Liguori G
Source :: Abdominal imaging [Abdom Imaging] 2008 Sep-Oct; Vol. 33 (5), pp. 621-5.
Publication Year :: 2008
Abstract: Background: Complete penile corporeal septation is a rare malformation in which the corpora cavernosa are completely isolated. We describe a new method to reach the diagnosis of this malformation using contrast enhanced US.<br />Methods: Two patients with complete penile corporeal septation underwent color Doppler and contrast enhanced US after bilateral cavernosal injection of 10 microg prostaglandin E1. Contrast enhanced US was performed using a contrast specific software (Contrast-Tuned imaging, EsaOte, Genoa, Italy) and a linear transducer designed to evaluate superficial structures. Microbubbles of SonoVue (Bracco, Milan, Italy) were injected in one corpus cavernosum.<br />Results: After cavernosal injection of microbubbles no adverse events were observed. Contrast enhanced US showed unilateral enhancement of the corpus cavernosum in which microbubbles were injected. Cavernosography confirmed unilateral corporeal opacification.<br />Conclusion: Contrast enhanced US can be used effectively to diagnose complete penile corporeal septation.