Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis (IPT) of the Corpus Cavernosum: A Hypothesis-Generating Case Series and Review of the Literature

IntroductionIdiopathic partial thrombosis (IPT) of the corpus cavernosum is a rare condition. The etiology is not fully understood; however, the presence of an either or not congenital web in these patients may contribute to the development of IPT.AimThe aim of this study was to describe 18 new IPT cases and compare these with 38 cases found in the literature.MethodsA multicenter retrospective analysis was performed. Descriptive statistics are given.Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcome measures used were clinical presentation, clinical and radiographical diagnostics, treatment and resolution of symptoms.ResultsPatients most frequently presented with perineal swelling (10/18; 56%) and pain (13/18; 72%), unilateral (12/18; 67%) or bilateral (4/18; 22%), and pain during erection (10/18; 72%). Penile curvature, dysuria or fever (each 1/18; 6%) were uncommon presenting symptoms. In our series, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a fibrous web in the corpus cavernosum in 100% of cases and was more bilaterally (11/18; 61%) than unilaterally (7/18; 39%) diagnosed. Cycling was found to be a provocative factor for IPT occurrence in patients at risk as 61% (11/18) of patients reported being a frequent cyclist with the episode of IPT occurring immediately after or during cycling activity in 8 out of 18 patients (8/18; 44%). In five centers, 15 patients were treated conservatively, the majority being treated with therapeutic doses of low molecular weight heparin and simultaneous anti-aggregant therapy. In one center, all three patients were treated with a surgical approach. Complete resolution of symptoms was noted in only 50% of cases.ConclusionIPT is a condition that presents typically with perineal pain and swelling. Cycling is often seen as a provocative factor, while the presence of a fibrous web at the level of the crurocavernosal junction is the underlying disorder allowing for entrapment of blood in the crura. Conservative treatment provides a reasonably good outcome in most cases. For therapy resistant cases, surgery can be considered. Weyne E, Schillebeeckx C, Jamaer C, D'Hulst P, Bozzini G, Grunert R, d'Hondt F, Hoebeke P, Müller A, Van Renterghem K, Joniau S, Albersen M. Idiopathic partial thrombosis (IPT) of the corpus cavernosum; a hypothesis-generating case series and review of the literature. J Sex Med 2015;12:2118–2125.