What cross sectional imaging findings may be encountered in penile trauma?
Penile trauma is uncommon, but most often occurs from injury to the erect penis during sexual intercourse. The spectrum of injuries that may be visualized on cross-sectional imaging include penile contusion, hematoma, fracture, cavernosal thrombosis, and urethral injury. Visualization of discontinuity of the tunica albuginea indicates presence of a penile fracture.
US is most often used for initial evaluation of suspected penile trauma, followed by MRI as needed, whereas CT is most often used for the initial evaluation of the torso in patients with traumatic injury. Surgical repair is indicated when there is a penile fracture (a surgical emergency) or presence of a urethral injury.