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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance clinical decision-making in Peyronies disease (PD) has generated significant interest. This review explores the current landscape of AI in PD evaluation. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in 3D modeling offer a more sophisticated approach to assessing PD deformities; however, the implementation of 3D modeling in clinical practice faces challenges, including the need for specialized equipment and time-consuming data processing, sometimes taking several hours of labor. AI holds promise for overcoming these hurdles through its ability to efficiently process large volumes of data and to perform accurate predictions based on such data. Future integration of AI with 3D modeling techniques could revolutionize PD evaluation by improving patient counseling, surgical planning, and clinical decision-making. Significant gaps in the literature have yet to be addressed, including the absence of robust evidence that incorporating such technology is superior to standard diagnostics.

IntroductionCollagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) remains the only Food and Drug Administration-approved medical treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD). The initial IMPRESS I and II trials (Investigation for Maximal Peyronie's Reduction Efficacy and Safety), which led to Food and Drug Administration approval, revealed a rate of treatment-related adverse events as high as 84%. Studies fail to provide clear definitions of complications.ObjectivesTo review complications, provide a CCH complication atlas, and propose management strategies for commonly encountered complications.MethodsWe performed a literature review using PubMed. A photographic atlas was provided regarding complications in patients in a high-volume CCH center for PD.ResultsComplications were identified and classified by nature and severity. We followed a standardized previously published grading system for hematomas. Complications include bruising, swelling, hematoma formation, back pain, and, rarely, corporal rupture. Complications were discussed, and hematomas were graded by penile surface area. Complication photographs were graded and displayed. Treatment-related adverse effects do not affect overall results.ConclusionRecognizing and grading complications associated with CCH therapy for PD is crucial for effective patient management and informed decision making. A standardized grading system allows for consistency in reporting and comparing hematoma complication rates across studies and patient populations. Herein we provide images that will help clinicians identify and confidently manage common complications that may occur in any CCH program.

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Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‑intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD). Methods: To analyze the treatment effect of 106 PD patients, 56 patients treated with LIPUS as therapy group and 50 patients with oral L‐carnitine and vitamin E as control group. 56 patients were treated with LIPUS three times per week for four consecutive weeks (12 times totally). Penile erectile pain, erectile function, the size of penile plaques, and penile curvature were assessed for all of these 106 PD patients before treatment and at 4‐ and 24‐week follow‐ups to evaluate the treatment effect. Erectile pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), while erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function scale (IIEF‐5), and penile plaque size was measured by ultrasound. After alprostadil was injected into the penile body to induce a full erection, the penis was measured with a protractor at the maximum bending degree. Results: After 4‐weeks follow‐up, the VAS scores of the LIPUS group were significantly lower than the baseline (P < 0.01), while no significant differences were found in the control group (P > 0.05). After 24‐weeks follow‐up, the VAS scores of the control group reduced significantly but also were significantly higher than the LIPUS group (P < 0.01). The IIEF‐5 scores of the LIPUS group were significantly higher than the baseline (P < 0.01). While the IIEF‐5 scores of the control group showed no significant differences both after 4‐ and 24‐weeks follow‐up (P > 0.05). The penile plaque size showed no significant differences after 4‐ and 24‐weeks follow‐up both in the LIPUS group and the control group (P > 0.05). The penile curvature degrees showed a significant reduction after 4‐weeks follow‐up in LIPUS group (P < 0.01). While the penile curvature degrees of the control group showed no significant differences both after 4‐ and 24‐weeks follow‐up (P > 0.05). No complications, such as penile pain, hematoma, or skin ecchymosis, were observed during the entire process of LIPUS treatment, nor did they appear during follow‐up. Conclusions: In patients with acute PD, LIPUS could relieve erectile pain and improve erectile dysfunction. Moreover, it appears not to reduce plaque size and not to have a clinically significant effect on penile curvature. Furthermore, LIPUS also shows a good safety profile during the management of PD and should be recommended for the clinical management of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A systematic review of the evidence was conducted to assess the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) for patients with Peyronie's Disease (PD). Methods: A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Registry, PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify all controlled trials, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies and case-control studies, focusing on the efficacy of LI-ESWT in treating PD, and published before February 2023. The size of plaques, curvature deviation, visual analog scale [VAS] and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were the most commonly used tool to evaluate the treatment effectiveness of LI-ESWT. Results: There were 7 studies including 475 patients from 1999 to 2023. The meta-analysis of the data revealed that LI-ESWT could considerably enhance the proportion of men experiencing a reduction in penile plaques (RD 0.27, 95% CI: 0.04–0.50, P = 0.02), improvement in penile curvature (RD: 0.13; 95% CI, 0–0.26; p = 0.05), alleviation of pain (RD 0.22, 95% CI: 0.01–0.42, P = 0.04), and complete remission (RD 0.38, 95% CI 0.23–0.52, P < 0.00001). However, there were no significant differences in improvement of sexual function (MD: 1.44; 95% CI, -3.10–5.97; p = 0.53) between LI-ESWT and the placebo group. Conclusions: According to these studies, LI-ESWT has the potential to decrease plaque size and improve penile curvature or pain in men with PD. The publication of robust evidence from additional well-designed long-term multicenter randomized controlled trials would provide more confidence regarding use of these devices in patients with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this work was to analyze and contrast the effectiveness and safety of intralesional HA in the acute stage of PD with that of verapamil injection. Methods: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, 42 PD-affected, sexually active men between the ages of >18 and 70 participated. Two groups of patients were recruited; group A obtained weekly intralesional treatment with HA for 12 weeks, whereas group B obtained weekly intralesional therapy with verapamil for 12 weeks. Physical examinations and Duplex Doppler ultrasound were performed on all patients. Results: The penile curvature was significantly decreased at 12 weeks after therapy in contrast to baseline in group A (34.1 ± 6.77° vs. 24.7 ± 9.72°, p = 0.005), and was significantly decreased at 12 weeks after therapy compared to baseline in group B (36.2 ± 7.43° vs. 30.8 ± 8.63 °, p = 0.047). The decrease in penile curvature at 12 weeks after therapy was noticeably better in group A in contrast to group B (24.7 ± 9.72° vs. 30.8 ± 8.63°, p = 0.038). Conclusion: HA is emerging as a valid choice for the treatment of PD in terms of resolution of the acute phase of the disease, and it is plausible to posit that the use of HA may contribute to the stabilization of the disease and decrease the need for the subsequent choice of a possible surgical strategy, with the ability to reduce penile pain and have a stronger impact on penile curvature and patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical outcomes of patients during acute phase of Peyronie's disease (PD) treated with daily Tadalafil 5 mg associated with non-surgical treatments such as intra-plaque verapamil injections (IVI), vacuum erection devices (VED) or extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Methods: 445 patients with PD in acute stage were treated as it follows: Group 1(G1) 117 men with only Tadalafil 5 mg once a day for 3 months; Group 2(G2) 106 men with IVI plus Tadalafil 5 mg for a period of 12 weeks; Group 3(G3) 124 men that received ESWT for 6 weeks plus Tadalafil with the same protocol of G1; Group 4(G4) 98 men with VED plus Tadalafil 5 mg for 3 months. There were assessed at baseline and follow-up: Erectile dysfunction (ED), presence and severity of painful erections, penile plaque size and penile curvature degree. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3,6,12 months. Results: Not statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups at baseline, except for higher presence of patients with ED in in G3(7.4%) vs other groups(p < 0.001). Three months after the treatment in G3 men had a significant reduction of penile curvature degrees after 1 year by treatments, whereas pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 75% of the patients. Conclusions: Our study highlights that multimodal therapy has beneficial long-term effects not only in the decrease of ED symptoms, but also in the relief of the penile curvature and the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background A systematic review of the evidence was conducted to assess the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) for patients with Peyronie`s Disease (PD). Methods A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Registry, PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify all controlled trials, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies and case-control studies, focusing on the efficacy of LI-ESWT in treating PD, and published before February 2023. The size of plaques, curvature deviation, visual analog scale [VAS] and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were the most commonly used tool to evaluate the treatment effectiveness of LI-ESWT. Results There were 7 studies including 475 patients from 1999 to 2023. The meta-analysis of the data revealed that LI-ESWT could considerably enhance the proportion of men experiencing a reduction in penile plaques (RD 0.27, 95% CI: 0.04–0.50, P = 0.02), improvement in penile curvature (RD: 0.13; 95% CI, 0–0.26; p = 0.05), alleviation of pain (RD 0.22, 95% CI: 0.01–0.42, P = 0.04), and complete remission (RD 0.38, 95% CI 0.23–0.52, P

The tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis is an elastic layer that serves a structural role in penile erection. Disorders affecting the TA cause pain, deformity, and erectile dysfunction. There is a substantial clinical need for engineered replacements of TA, but data are scarce on the material properties and biochemical composition of healthy TA. The objective of this study was to assess tissue organization, protein content, and mechanical properties of porcine TA to establish structure-function relationships and design criteria for tissue engineering efforts. TA was isolated from six pigs and subjected to histomorphometry, quantification of collagen content and pyridinoline crosslinks, bottom-up proteomics, and tensile mechanical testing. Collagen was 20 ± 2%/wet weight (WW) and 53 ± 4%/dry weight (DW). Pyridinoline content was 426 ±131 ng/mg WW, 1011 ± 190 ng/mg DW, and 45 ± 8 mmol/mol hydroxyproline. Bottom-up proteomics identified 14 proteins with an abundance of >0.1% of total protein. The most abundant collagen subtype was type I, representing 95.5 ± 1.5% of the total protein in the samples. Collagen types III, XII, and VI were quantified at 1.7 ± 1.0%, 0.8 ± 0.2%, and 0.4 ± 0.2%, respectively. Tensile testing revealed anisotropy: Young's modulus was significantly higher longitudinally than circumferentially (60 ± 18 MPa vs. 8 ± 5 MPa, p

Purpose of Review: This review assesses the effectiveness of various imaging modalities for diagnosing and managing Peyronie's disease (PD), exploring their clinical utility and limitations. Recent Findings: Ultrasonography, currently the only modality endorsed by the American Urological Association, effectively detects calcifications and assesses vascular status but struggles with identifying non-palpable plaques. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide detailed anatomical views but are costly along with other deterring factors. Autophotography and 3-dimensional imaging offer convenient home assessments but with variable accuracy. Elastography improves upon traditional ultrasonography, while emerging AI technologies show promise for automating precise curvature assessments, pending further validation. Summary: A combined approach tailored to each individual patient based on their needs enhances diagnostic accuracy. Supplementing ultrasonography with elastography and potentially AI could improve diagnostic outcomes and better guide treatment decisions. Continued research is vital to integrate these advancements into standard clinical practice and develop updated standardized protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Peyronie’s disease (PD) has detrimental effects on the quality of life, mental health, sexual functioning and several other aspects that increase the risk of relationship problems. However, no study to date has assessed the risk of relationship separation in med with PD. Herein, we utilized data from Swedish national registers to examine the risk of relationship separation in men with PD. We conducted a matched cohort study on men born 1933–1992, followed from 1997 to 2013. PD was defined as a physician-assigned diagnosis according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth version. Each man with PD (n = 8020) was matched with 10 comparison men. We defined relationship separation as (1) ever separated, and (2) separation rate. We used log-linear regression to estimate the risk ratio, and rate ratio of relationship separation. We adjusted for matching variables (birth year and country of birth), and an indicator of each follow-up year. We found that men with PD had a 13% increased risk of relationship separation (risk ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.17). The rate of relationship separation events, measured on a yearly basis, was increased by 18% (rate ratio 1.18, CI 1.12–1.24), and remained similar when adjusting for follow-up year and socio-economic status.

Objective: Predisposing factors of Peyronie’s disease remain controversial. We know that obesity has extremely negative effects on erectile tissue. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to examine the relationship between Peyronie’s disease and the body shape index (ABSI), which is a new parameter for the evaluation of visceral adiposity. Materials and Methods: In this study, 55 healthy volunteers (group-1) and 50 Peyronie’s disease patients (group-2). Age, comorbidities, waist circumference (WC), height, body mass index (BMI), testosterone, fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and ABSI scores of all patients were analyzed. In addition, plaque sizes, duration of symptoms, and curvature degrees of patients in group 2 were calculated. Results: The mean ages of group 1 and group 2 were 57.02±8.34 years and 56.02±10.65 years, respectively (p>0.05). Fasting glucose, WC, BMI, and ABSI values were significantly higher in group 2 (p=0.031, p0.05). The IIEF score was observed to be lower in group 2 (p

Introduction Materials and methods Results Conclusions There is inconsistent data regarding the possible inaccuracies in dynamic penile color Doppler duplex ultrasound (CDDU) measurements in men with penile curvature because of Peyronie's disease (PD). We sought to explore the relationship between the degree of penile curvature and CDDU parameters in men with PD.Comprehensive data from 154 consecutive men presenting with PD as their primary complaint at a single academic center were prospectively collected and analyzed. All men underwent CDDU. Penile curvature was measured using a goniometer at time of maximum erection during CDDU. Patients were grouped based on CDDU parameters into—normal (average peak systolic velocity [PSV] ≥ 35 cm/s and resistance index [RI] ≥ 0.85) and pathological CDDU (average PSV < 35 cm/s and/or RI < 0.85). Descriptive statistics was used to compare the two subcohorts. Linear regression models were fitted to explore the association between the degree of penile curvature and dynamic CDDU parameters.Overall, the median interquartile range (IQR) age was 56 (48−63) years. The median (IQR) PSV and degree of penile curvature were 48.8 cm/s (37.9−58.5) and 40 degrees (30‐60), respectively. At CDDU, the degrees of penile curvature were as follows: 10–30 degrees in 63 (40.9%) men, 30–70 degrees in 70 (45.5%) men, and 70–90 degrees in 21 (13.6%) men, respectively. Of all, 116 (75.3%) patients showed a PSV > 35 cm/s and RI ≥ 0.85. Patients with pathologic vs. normal CDDU parameters did not differ in median (IQR) curvature (32.5° [30°−58.7°] vs. 40° [30°−65°], p = 0.5) or in the distribution across curvature range groups. Linear regression analysis revealed that the degree of penile curvature did not significantly correlate with PSV at CDDU (coefficient: 0.06, p = 0.3).Our study confirms the lack of a significant correlation between the severity of penile curvature and CDDU parameters in men presenting with PD. These findings emerge to be relevant in terms of a more accurate management work‐up for PD patients and hold insightful medicolegal implications and in the real‐life setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Review: The estimation of penile curvature is an essential component in the assessment of both Peyronie's disease and hypospadias-associated congenital penile curvature, as the degree of curvature can significantly impact treatment decision-making. However, there is a lack of standardization in curvature assessment and current methodologies are prone to inaccuracies. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in urology, new research has explored its applications in penile curvature assessment. This review aims to evaluate the current uses of AI and other automated platforms for assessing penile curvature. Recent Findings: Several novel and promising tools have been developed to estimate penile curvature, some utilizing AI-driven models and others employing automated computational models. These platforms aim to improve curvature assessment in various settings, including at-home evaluation of Peyronie's disease, in-office assessments using three-dimensional (3D) methodologies, and preoperative evaluations for hypospadias repair. In general, these new platforms produce highly accurate and reproducible angle estimates in non-clinical studies, however their effectiveness and relation to patient outcomes has had limited evaluation in clinical settings. Summary: Significant advancements have been made in the assessment and estimation of penile curvature in both Peyronie's and pediatric patients, largely driven by AI and other automated platforms. Continued research is needed to validate these findings in clinical studies, confirm their efficacy, and assess their feasibility for real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peyronie's disease (PD) has detrimental effects on the quality of life, mental health, sexual functioning and several other aspects that increase the risk of relationship problems. However, no study to date has assessed the risk of relationship separation in med with PD. Herein, we utilized data from Swedish national registers to examine the risk of relationship separation in men with PD. We conducted a matched cohort study on men born 1933–1992, followed from 1997 to 2013. PD was defined as a physician-assigned diagnosis according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth version. Each man with PD (n = 8020) was matched with 10 comparison men. We defined relationship separation as (1) ever separated, and (2) separation rate. We used log-linear regression to estimate the risk ratio, and rate ratio of relationship separation. We adjusted for matching variables (birth year and country of birth), and an indicator of each follow-up year. We found that men with PD had a 13% increased risk of relationship separation (risk ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.17). The rate of relationship separation events, measured on a yearly basis, was increased by 18% (rate ratio 1.18, CI 1.12–1.24), and remained similar when adjusting for follow-up year and socio-economic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: B-mode ultrasound (US) medical imaging is very effective in localizing and describing Peyronie's disease (PD). Moreover, elastography is a new technique used to evaluate tissue elasticity to detect penile Peyronie's plaques that are not visible using standard B-mode US. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of real-time elastography (RTE) or strain elastography (SE) in PD patients and to determine whether its combined use with standard US improved diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, this study aimed to assess whether RTE was useful for monitoring PD patients undergoing conservative treatment. Methods: A group of 37 patients with PD in the active phase was selected based on US examination showing isoechoic or hypo-isoechoic plaques, with or without associated hyperechoic or calcified plaque areas. All patients underwent traditional US combined with RTE before starting conservative treatment with antioxidants, during treatment and after treatment. After each examination with RTE, a specific "Strain Ratio"(SR) was used to identify the specific elasticity of the tissue. Results: Using B-mode US with RTE, we detected all 13 non-palpable penile plaques present in the 37 PD patients (100% of cases). Using only B-mode US, we detected only 8 of the 13 non-palpable plaques (61.5% of cases). The Deformation Index (DI) of the plaque decreased during and after treatment in all cases, indicating that RTE is effective for monitoring conservative PD treatment. A statistically significant correlation was found between the DI and plaque volume in all patients (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Our study has shown that the combination of US and RTE methods allowed for a more accurate diagnosis in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Peyronie's disease (PD) is known as a wound-healing disorder for which surgery remains the gold-standard treatment, but studies comparing graft materials are limited in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid- and long-term results of patients who underwent surgery for PD with grafting procedures performed by a single experienced surgeon according to graft materials. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent corporoplasty between 2014 and 2020 with grafting procedures performed by a single experienced surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 115 patients were divided into 4 groups according to the grafting material used: autologous saphenous venous grafts, Group 1 (n = 36); porcine pericardial extracellular matrix grafts (EMGs; XenoGuard, MBP Medical Biomaterial Products GmbH, Neustadt-Glewe, Germany), Group 2 (n = 40); porcine intestinal submucosal EMGs (BioDesign, Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA), Group 3 (n = 36); and bovine pericardial EMGs (Tutopatch, Tutogen Medical, Inc., Alachua, FL, USA), Group 4 (n = 43). Results: The mean operation time for Group 1 was longer than that of the other groups (p < 0.001). When comparing the groups in pairs, it was observed that the duration of postoperative loss of sensation (LOS) was significantly shorter in Group 3 (12.3 ± 5.3 days) and Group 4 (15.1 ± 3.1 days) (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between Groups 1 and 4 in penile length loss when the groups were compared in pairs (p = 0.017). There was a statistically significant difference between patients with penile curvatures of 0° to 59° and patients with curvatures of ≥60° in terms of duration of postoperative LOS (14.4 ± 5 vs. 16.4 ± 5.8 days, respectively; p = 0.028) and penile length loss (2.6 ± 5 vs. 5.7 ± 6.8 mm, respectively; p = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings suggest that EMGs should be preferred to autologous venous grafts due to reduced postoperative erectile dysfunction, shorter operation time, and shorter recovery time for LOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the combination of the mechanical effects of penile therapy with vacuum erection devices (VEDs) plus PDE5i, which improve clinical outcomes after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in men affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with Peyronie's disease (PD). Methods: A total of 153 medical records of patients affected by PD in stable stage with ED and treated with ESWT were divided into two groups. Group A (GA) included 72 men treated with ESWT, mechanical stretching with VEDs and PDE5ì (Tadalafil 5 mg), and Group B (GB) included 81 men who received only ESWT plus Tadalafil 5 mg with the same protocol of GA. The patients in both groups were assessed at baseline and follow-up for erectile function, painful erections, penile plaque size, and penile curvature. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatments. Results: Three months after the treatment, GA patients had a reduction in penile curvature degree from a mean ± SD of 33.91 ± 8.34° at baseline to a mean ± SD of 19.46 ± 7.15° after 12 months, whereas pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 88.9% of the patients. The mean ± SD IIEF-15 score of patients affected by severe/moderate ED further improved significantly in the GA group (p < 0.001) after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. There were no permanent adverse sequelae after treatments. Conclusions: The regular use of a VED plus Tadalafil in patients who had undergone ESWT significantly provided more benefit in patients with PD in terms of penile deformity, pain, and erectile function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Predisposing factors of Peyronie’s disease remain controversial. We know that obesity has extremely negative effects on erectile tissue. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to examine the relationship between Peyronie’s disease and the body shape index (ABSI), which is a new parameter for the evaluation of visceral adiposity. Materials and Methods: In this study, 55 healthy volunteers (group-1) and 50 Peyronie’s disease patients (group-2). Age, comorbidities, waist circumference (WC), height, body mass index (BMI), testosterone, fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and ABSI scores of all patients were analyzed. In addition, plaque sizes, duration of symptoms, and curvature degrees of patients in group 2 were calculated. Results: The mean ages of group 1 and group 2 were 57.02±8.34 years and 56.02±10.65 years, respectively (p>0.05). Fasting glucose, WC, BMI, and ABSI values were significantly higher in group 2 (p=0.031, p<0.001, p=0.026 and p<0.001). LDL and HDLvalues were similar between both groups (p>0.05). The IIEF score was observed to be lower in group 2 (p<0.001). In terms of ABSI values, the discrimination power of Peyronie’s disease was strong. The cut-off value for the ABSI score was 0.08. For this cut-off point, classification success was determined as 88.0% sensitivity and 80.0% selectivity. Conclusion: ABSI can be a reliable independent risk factor for Peyronie’s disease and a predictor of visceral adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management options for Peyronie's disease (PD) are determined by the phase of the condition. Experts counsel against surgical intervention during the active phase of PD. Patients with chronic phase of PD are offered either collagenase injections or surgical intervention. Accurately characterising a patient's phase of PD is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment option. Objective: To investigate neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as possible predictors for the determination of acute or chronic phase of PD. Methods: This study retrospectively queried all patients who presented for initial diagnosis of PD from 2016 to 2020 and had complete blood count (CBC) laboratory values before initial therapy. PD phase was defined per the American Urological Association guidelines. The active phase of PD was defined as a changing penile curvature and/or growing palpable plaque. The chronic phase of PD was defined as a stabilised penile curvature. All statistical analyses were two-tailed, using a significance level of 0.05. Results: One hundred nine patients met inclusion: 27 (25%) active phase and 82 (75%) chronic phase patients. Demographic and erectile characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups. NLR and PLR values between active and chronic phase patients were comparable (p > 0.05). A linear regression evaluated correlations between the duration of PD and either NLR or PLR. Neither NLR nor PLR was correlated with PD duration on Spearman, Pearson, or Kandall tests. In addition, NLR and PLR were not noted to be predictors of PD phase on multiple logistic regression. Finally, a receiver operator characteristic curve was generated. NLR and PLR yielded an area under curve of 58% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Two recent studies suggested NLR and PLR could be used to predict the phases of PD. However, after evaluating a cohort of 109 men from our institution, our data do not support the use of peripheral blood PLR or NLR to determine the phase of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Despite direct access to clinicians through the electronic health record, patients are increasingly turning to the internet for information related to their health, especially with sensitive urologic conditions such as Peyronie's disease (PD). Large language model (LLM) chatbots are a form of artificial intelligence that rely on user prompts to mimic conversation, and they have shown remarkable capabilities. The conversational nature of these chatbots has the potential to answer patient questions related to PD; however, the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and readability of these LLMs related to PD remain unknown. Aims To assess the quality and readability of information generated from 4 LLMs with searches related to PD; to see if users could improve responses; and to assess the accuracy, completeness, and readability of responses to artificial preoperative patient questions sent through the electronic health record prior to undergoing PD surgery. Methods The National Institutes of Health's frequently asked questions related to PD were entered into 4 LLMs, unprompted and prompted. The responses were evaluated for overall quality by the previously validated DISCERN questionnaire. Accuracy and completeness of LLM responses to 11 presurgical patient messages were evaluated with previously accepted Likert scales. All evaluations were performed by 3 independent reviewers in October 2023, and all reviews were repeated in April 2024. Descriptive statistics and analysis were performed. Results Without prompting, the quality of information was moderate across all LLMs but improved to high quality with prompting. LLMs were accurate and complete, with an average score of 5.5 of 6.0 (SD, 0.8) and 2.8 of 3.0 (SD, 0.4), respectively. The average Flesch-Kincaid reading level was grade 12.9 (SD, 2.1). Chatbots were unable to communicate at a grade 8 reading level when prompted, and their citations were appropriate only 42.5% of the time. Conclusion LLMs may become a valuable tool for patient education for PD, but they currently rely on clinical context and appropriate prompting by humans to be useful. Unfortunately, their prerequisite reading level remains higher than that of the average patient, and their citations cannot be trusted. However, given their increasing uptake and accessibility, patients and physicians should be educated on how to interact with these LLMs to elicit the most appropriate responses. In the future, LLMs may reduce burnout by helping physicians respond to patient messages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an increasingly popular therapeutic tool across various medical specialties since its introduction in 1958. Defined as a concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors derived from autologous blood, PRP supports tissue repair and regeneration processes. PRP’s composition includes high concentrations of platelets and growth factors that facilitate angiogenesis, connective tissue remodeling, and cellular repair, making PRP a promising treatment option for complex urological conditions and beyond. Purpose of the study: This review aims to summarize the applications and efficacy of PRP in treating specific urological conditions such as erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, urethral stricture, hypospadias, interstitial cystitis and urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods: To provide a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on this topic, a literature review of English-language articles, with an emphasis on recent publications, was conducted. The review utilized the PubMed database and included 51 studies accessed prior to October 2024. Conclusions: PRP therapy appears to be a promising, safe, and minimally invasive treatment option for several urological conditions. Studies suggest that PRP may benefit erectile function, reduce symptoms in Peyronie's disease, and improve outcomes in conditions related to the urethra and bladder, with minimal reported adverse effects. However, the lack of standardized PRP preparation protocols and large placebo-controlled trials poses a challenge to fully establishing its efficacy. Further research is necessary to confirm PRP’s effectiveness, optimize preparation and administration methods, and develop guidelines for its clinical application in urology.

Introduction: Peyronie’s disease (PD) is characterized by fibrosis of the penile tunica albuginea. Conservative treatment options may involve oral and/or injectable medications. Materials and methods: This case series includes four patients with PD in the first phase. The diagnosis of PD included a medical history; penile palpation; a physical examination of the penis, documenting penile deformity (Kelâmi method); penile dynamic Doppler ultrasound (PDDU) + elastography, measuring the plaque and calculating its volume (cm3), and the deformation index (strain ratio); and the completion of the following questionnaires: IIEF to assess erectile function, VAS to assess pain, and Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) symptom bother to evaluate the psychosexual impact of the disease. Diagnostic follow-up evaluations were conducted before and every 6-12 months throughout the conservative treatment. The four patients were treated at our andrology clinic between January 2019 and November 2023. Our treatment included the following: bilberry, propolis, ginkgo biloba, silymarin, L-carnitine, coenzime Q-10, Boswellia, superoxide dismutase, vitamin E, vitamin C, topical diclofenac gel, propolis cream, and perilesional penile injections with pentoxifylline for cases involving penile plaques with volumes of > 0.100 cm3. Results: Complete resorption of the PD plaque after treatment occurred in all cases. The disappearance of Peyronie's plaque occurred over a period ranging from 18 to 36 months, in relation to the volume of the plaque. Conclusions: Despite the limited sample size in our study, these patients verifiably achieved the complete resorption of the affected disease area. Our results will provide useful insights for uroandrological clinical practice. Nevertheless, randomized controlled trials with a larger number of PD patients are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of multimodal antioxidant treatment.

Background: B-mode ultrasound (US) medical imaging is very effective in localizing and describing Peyronie's disease (PD). Moreover, elastography is a new technique used to evaluate tissue elasticity to detect penile Peyronie's plaques that are not visible using standard B-mode US. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of real-time elastography (RTE) in PD patients and to determine whether its combined use with standard US improved diagnostic accuracy. RTE is also known as strain elastography (SE). Additionally, this study aimed to assess whether RTE was useful for monitoring PD patients undergoing conservative treatment. Methods: A group of 37 PD patients in the active phase was selected based on US examination showing isoechoic or hypo-isoechoic plaques, with or without associated hyperechoic or calcified plaque areas. All patients underwent traditional US combined with RTE before starting conservative treatment with antioxidants, during treatment and after treatment. After each examination with RTE, a specific “Strain Ratio”(SR) was used to identify the specific elasticity of the tissue. Results: Using B-mode US with RTE, we detected all 13 non-palpable penile plaques present in the 37 PD patients (100% of cases). Using only B-mode US, we detected only 8 of the 13 non-palpable plaques (61.5% of cases). The DI of the plaque decreased during and after treatment in all cases, indicating that RTE is effective for monitoring conservative PD treatment. A statistically significant correlation was found between the DI and plaque volume in all patients (p=0.002). Conclusion: Our study has shown that the combination of US and RTE methods allowed for a more accurate diagnosis in PD patients.

Objective To explore the surgical techniques and experiences in the treatment of Peyronie's disease using electric rotary grinding of tunica albuginea plaques followed by graft repair with tunica vaginalis or bovine pericardium under a microscope. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on 21 patients with severe penile curvature due to Peyronie's disease admitted in our department from January 2021 and May 2023. All of them underwent microscopic electric rotary grinding of tunica albuginea plaques followed by graft repair surgery. Short-term and mid-term outcomes were observed. Results For the 21 enrolled patients, 12 (57.1%) underwent repair using unilateral tunica vaginalis, 3 (14.3%) underwent repair using bilateral tunica vaginalis, and 6 (28.6%) underwent repair using bovine pericardium. The operation time was 170~385 (average 272±69) min, and the average postoperative follow-up duration was 3~24 (average 12.1±7.2) months. Seventeen patients (81.0%) had their penis fully extended, while 4 patients (19.0%) had slight dorsal curvature, which was less than 10°. All patients were satisfied with the shape of their penis during erection. The change in penile length was +(1.1±0.5) cm, and 9 patients (42.9%) reported early postoperative penile head numbness, which spontaneously resolved after an average duration of 3.2±1.9 months. All patients were able to successfully engage in sexual activity, with an average penile erection hardness score of 3.8. The overall satisfaction rate was 90.5% postoperatively. Conclusion Meticulous dissection of Buck's fascia under a microscope is advantageous in reliably preserving dorsal neurovascular structures. Application of an electric grinding drill for plaque ablation allows for more precise release of the tunica. Graft repair of tunica albuginea defects with testicular tunica vaginalis or bovine pericardium for Peyronie's disease yields overall favorable clinical outcomes and obtains high satisfaction. It is worthy of promotion in clinical practice.

Abstract Background This study compared the differences of microvesicles (MVs) and microvesicles-delivering Smad7 (Smad7-MVs) on macrophage M1 polarization and fibroblast differentiation in a model of Peyronie’s disease (PD). Methods Overexpression of Smad7 in rat BMSCs was obtained by pCMV5-Smad7 transfection. MVs were collected from rat BMSCs using ultracentrifugation. In cells, 100 µg/mL of MVs or Smad7-MVs were used to treat the 100 ng/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells or 10 ng/mL of recombinant transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibroblasts. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of M1 macrophages were measured in RAW264.7 cells, and the migration and markers of fibroblast differentiation were measured in fibroblasts. In rats, 50 µg of MVs or Smad7-MVs were used to treat the TGF-β1-induced animals. The pathology of tunica albuginea (TA), the markers of M1 macrophages and fibroblast differentiation in the TA were measured. Results The MVs or Smad7-MVs treatment suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization and TGF-β1-induced fibroblast differentiation. Moreover, the Smad7-MVs treatment decreased the fibroblast differentiation compared with the MVs treatment. In the TGF-β1-induced TA of rats, MVs or Smad7-MVs treatment ameliorated the TA fibrosis by suppressing the macrophage M1 polarization and fibroblast differentiation. There was no significance on the M1-polarized macrophages between the MVs treatment and the Smad7-MVs treatment. Meanwhile, the Smad7-MVs treatment had an edge in terms of suppressing the fibroblast differentiation in the TGF-β1-induced PD model compared with the MVs treatment. Conclusions This study demonstrated that Smad7-MVs treatment had advantages over MVs treatment in suppressing of fibroblast differentiation in a model of PD.

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a condition of penile connective tissue affecting up to 10% of men worldwide. In the complexity of its management, nonsurgical treatments, such as intraplaque injections, are gaining attention. The current literature shows data on the efficacy of intraplaque injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) mainly in acute-phase PD. However, data on injections of HA in stable-phase PD are lacking. Data for this retrospective study were derived from a prospectively maintained database of private patients presenting at a private medical practice affiliated to the University of Naples “Federico II” (Naples, Italy) with stable-phase PD between January 2020 and March 2023. Patients underwent a standard protocol of three injections, each administered at a two-week interval. During the intervals, patients performed vacuum device therapy, penile stretching, and modeling exercises. All patients compiled the Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) and Global Assessment of Peyronie’s Disease (GAPD) at baseline and 2 weeks after the third injection. A penile Doppler ultrasound was performed 2 weeks after the last injection to record the final curvature. Overall, we recruited 62 patients with stable-phase PD and a mean (±standard deviation [s.d.]) curvature of 52.7° (±9.7°). After 6 weeks, eight (12.9%) patients did not experience any curvature improvement. The remaining 54 patients had a final mean (±s.d.) curvature of 40.3° (±9.1°) with P < 0.001, compared to that before treatment. We found improvement in all PDQ domains (all P ≤ 0.01), and 50 (80.6%) patients reported subjective improvement of the penile curvature according to the GAPD. In conclusion, we demonstrated that after three injections of HA administered according to the adopted protocol, patients with stable-phase PD could experience significant improvements in penile curvature, and physical and psychological consequences of the disease without significantly relevant side effects.

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is characterized by abnormal penile curvature, and various surgical methods have been developed using different graft materials. However, there is currently no universal agreement on which type of graft is the best. The objective of this review was to evaluate the available literature and identify the most effective graft material for penile curvature correction in PD. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The patients, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) approach was used to define the eligibility of studies. Two authors independently selected studies, evaluated them, and extracted data. Random-effect models using the DerSimonian–Laird method were used. Most studies were single-arm studies and had a high risk of bias. Buccal mucosa grafts (BMG) were found to result in the highest penile straightening rates and were associated with the least de novo erectile dysfunction. TachoSil grafts demonstrated a high success rate in straightening despite a higher mean preoperative curvature, while Tutoplast grafts had a higher incidence of postoperative erectile dysfunction. BMG had the highest percentage of postoperative penile straightening. Overall, the TachoSil graft showed the best performance when preoperative curvature is taken into account. Based on the available literature, BMG appear to be the most effective for penile curvature correction in PD, but this is offset by the requirement for low preoperative curvature. The TachoSil graft shows the best overall performance when preoperative curvature is considered. Comparative randomized clinical trials are still needed to determine graft superiority.

Background Objective Material/methods Results Discussion Conclusion Peyronie's disease is characterized by the formation of fibrotic plaques in the penile tunica albuginea. Effective treatments are limited, warranting the investigation of new promising therapies, such as the application of microRNAs that regulate fibrosis‐related genes.We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of mimicking microRNA‐29b in a fibrin‐induced rat model of Peyronie's disease.The study was designed in two phases. To establish an optimal Peyronie's disease model, rats received either human fibrin and thrombin or saline solutions into the tunica albuginea on days 0 and 5. The animal model validation was done through expression and histopathological analyses, the latest by an experienced uropathologist. After validation, we performed microRNA‐29b treatment on days 14, 21, and 28 of the study. This phase had control (normal saline) and scramble (microRNA scramble) groups. The mid‐penile shaft was removed on day 30 for histological examination and molecular analyses in both study stages.The control group displayed typical tunica albuginea histologic architecture in the animal model validation. In Peyronie's disease group, the Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson Trichrome staining methods demonstrated an interstitial inflammatory process with concomitant dense fibrotic plaques as well as disarrangement of collagen fibers. Additionally, we found out that reduced microRNA‐29b (p = 0.05) was associated with significantly increased COL1A1 and transforming growth factor β1 genes and proteins (p > 0.05) in the Peyronie's disease group. After treatment with mimic microRNA‐29b stimulation, the Hematoxylin & eosin and Masson Trichrome staining revealed a discrete and less dense fibrotic plaque. This result was associated with significantly decreasing expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, and transforming growth factor β1 genes and proteins (p < 0.05).The fibrin‐induced animal model showed significant histopathological and molecular changes compared to the Control group, suggesting that our model was appropriate. Previous findings have shown that increased expression of microRNA‐29b was associated with decreased pathological fibrosis. In the present study, treatment with microRNA‐29b decreased the gene and protein expression of collagens and transforming growth factor β1. This study reveals the therapeutic potential for Peyronie's disease involving molecular targets.MicroRNA‐29b application on the rat's tunica albuginea attenuated fibrosis, arising as a novel potential strategy for Peyronie's disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study compared the differences of microvesicles (MVs) and microvesicles-delivering Smad7 (Smad7-MVs) on macrophage M1 polarization and fibroblast differentiation in a model of Peyronie's disease (PD). Methods: Overexpression of Smad7 in rat BMSCs was obtained by pCMV5-Smad7 transfection. MVs were collected from rat BMSCs using ultracentrifugation. In cells, 100 µg/mL of MVs or Smad7-MVs were used to treat the 100 ng/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells or 10 ng/mL of recombinant transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibroblasts. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of M1 macrophages were measured in RAW264.7 cells, and the migration and markers of fibroblast differentiation were measured in fibroblasts. In rats, 50 µg of MVs or Smad7-MVs were used to treat the TGF-β1-induced animals. The pathology of tunica albuginea (TA), the markers of M1 macrophages and fibroblast differentiation in the TA were measured. Results: The MVs or Smad7-MVs treatment suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization and TGF-β1-induced fibroblast differentiation. Moreover, the Smad7-MVs treatment decreased the fibroblast differentiation compared with the MVs treatment. In the TGF-β1-induced TA of rats, MVs or Smad7-MVs treatment ameliorated the TA fibrosis by suppressing the macrophage M1 polarization and fibroblast differentiation. There was no significance on the M1-polarized macrophages between the MVs treatment and the Smad7-MVs treatment. Meanwhile, the Smad7-MVs treatment had an edge in terms of suppressing the fibroblast differentiation in the TGF-β1-induced PD model compared with the MVs treatment. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that Smad7-MVs treatment had advantages over MVs treatment in suppressing of fibroblast differentiation in a model of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peyronie's disease (PD) affects the penile albuginea, resulting in penile deformity, pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), and an anxious–depressive state. PD diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, penile palpation, documentation of the penile deformation, a dynamic penile echo color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU), and the completion of questionnaires for the evaluation of pain, ED, and psychometric tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the symptoms of PD and their prevalence in PD patients in the active phase who had access to our andrology clinic. Inclusion criteria: availability of data on patients diagnosed with PD, including detailed medical history, blood tests, penile palpation, photographic documentation of penile deformity, and penile PCDU. Exclusion criteria: PD patients in the stable phase or those without the specified tests and data mentioned above. Our study found a higher prevalence of PD in younger patients (24.2%), a higher coexistence of PD with chronic prostatitis (35.6%), a higher percentage of cases of association between penile deformity and penile curvature (84.4%), a higher prevalence of "significant anxiety" (88.4%), a higher presence of plaque calcification (35.6%), and the detection of a longer duration of the first phase of PD (>18 months). The most frequently observed type of penile curvature was dorsal, followed by left lateral, right lateral, and, less commonly, ventral. We observed a significant statistical correlation between patient age and IIEF score, indicating that patients over the age of 40 years are at a higher risk of experiencing ED. We found a strong statistical relationship between VAS score and age. As age increases, the VAS score decreases, suggesting that younger patients reported more penile pain compared to those who were older than 40 years. Furthermore, we found that penile pain has a significant impact on the psychological state of PD patients. We also found that 38.8% of PD patients suffered from severe anxiety. In relation to this, psychotherapy should be integrated into PD treatment to improve the quality of life and treatment adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'évolution de la maladie de Lapeyronie passe souvent par une phase aiguë, précoce ou inflammatoire initiale marquée le plus souvent par la présence de douleurs, l'ébauche de courbure pénienne et par la formation de plaques albuginéales. La prise en charge de la maladie à la phase aiguë ne fait toujours pas l'objet de traitements et de recommandations bien définis avec un niveau de preuve satisfaisant. Une revue narrative de la littérature permet d'évaluer le rôle des antalgiques, des facilitateurs de l'érection, des injections intraplaques, des traitements topiques, des thérapies mécaniques, des ondes de choc ainsi que des combinaisons thérapeutiques dans un contexte multimodal. Peyronie's disease is characterized by an initial inflammatory phase, notable for penile pain and the onset of penile curvature alongside albugineal plaque formation. The management of this phase is still poorly defined according to good practice guidelines due to the lack of studies with high level of evidence. This work is a narrative review of the medical literature aiming to evaluate the role of analgesics, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, intraplaque injections, topical treatments, traction therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Combinations of these therapies used in a multimodal approach were also screened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a regenerative therapy has gained interest in the field of andrology for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie's disease (PD). This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence on the use of PRP for these conditions. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search according to the PRISMA guidelines using PubMed and Scopus databases in December 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated the effect of PRP therapy for ED or PD in humans. Results: We identified 164 articles, 17 of which were included, consisting of 11 studies on ED, 5 studies on PD, and 1 study on both. We included four randomized controlled trials, 11 prospective cohort studies, and three retrospective cohort studies including a total of 1099 patients. The studies on ED and PD generally showed small to moderate benefits with mild and transient side effects and no major adverse events were reported. General limitations included variations in PRP protocols, small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and lack of control groups except in the three randomized trials on ED and the one on PD. Conclusion: The literature on PRP therapy in andrology is limited and difficult to interpret due to variations in protocols and methodological drawbacks. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal preparation and treatment protocols for PRP therapy and clarify its effectiveness in andrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To review the literature on the topic, to suggest a common line of treatment applicable across a wide community of specialists, and to contribute in maintaining the high level of interest in this disease. Methods: A comprehensive and exhaustive review of the literature was performed, identifying hundreds of articles on the topic. Results: Peyronie's disease is a condition that has been recognized, studied, and treated for centuries; despite this, if one excludes surgery in cases in which the deformity is stable, no clear treatment (or line of treatment) is available for complete relief of signs and symptoms. Treatment options were divided into local, oral, and injection therapy, and a wide variety of drugs, remedies, and options were identified. Conclusions: Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy, vacuum therapy, penile traction therapy, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, hyaluronic acid, and collagenase of Clostridium histolyticum may be recommended only in specific contexts. Further studies on individual options or potential combinations are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about patients' pre‐treatment expectations in Peyronie's disease (PD). Objective: To evaluate in detail patients' expectations of conservative therapy and surgery. Patients and methods: This multi‐center study prospectively enrolled 317 PD patients, who were scheduled to receive conservative therapy or surgery between 2019 and 2022 at the Department of Urology of the University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf, and the Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Medical Center Muenster, both Germany. The primary end‐point was patients' pre‐treatment expectations of conservative therapy and surgery, measured with the Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale (SETS). Secondary end‐points included patient‐reported psychological and physical symptoms, penile pain, symptom bother and erectile function, measured with the Peyronie's disease questionnaire (PDQ) and International Index of Erectile Function Erectile Function Domain (IIEF‐EF). Results: In total, 239 (75%) and 78 (25%) patients were scheduled for the conservative therapy and surgery, respectively. Patients undergoing surgery had higher positive and negative mean SETS expectations scores (14 vs. 11, p < 0.001; 9.6 vs. 6.0, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, surgery was an independent predictor of positive and negative patients' pre‐treatment expectations (all p ≤ 0.001). In thematic analysis, patients undergoing surgery emphasized distinct themes of pre‐treatment expectations. Patients undergoing surgery had higher mean PDQ symptom bother as well as higher psychological and physical symptom scores (14 vs. 10, p < 0.001; 9.2 vs. 7.1, p = 0.001). There were significant positive correlations between SETS negative expectation score and PDQ symptom bother (|ρ| = 0.25; p < 0.001) as well as PDQ psychological and physical symptoms score, respectively (|ρ| = 0.21; p = 0.001). Conclusion: PD patients expect both more benefit and more harm from surgery. In addition, patients undergoing surgery have more psychological and physical symptoms and more symptom bother. To set realistic expectations, it is of pivotal importance to assess patients' expectations before starting treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testosterone plays an important role in collagen metabolism, transforming growth factor‐β1 expression, and wound healing, which are all critical factors in pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease. Some clinical studies have suggested an association between Peyronie's disease and hypogonadism. Objective: We sought to investigate whether baseline total testosterone levels influence response to intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum in Peyronie's disease. Methods: A retrospective review of patients receiving collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections with available total testosterone levels within 1 year of initial injection was conducted at a single institution. Baseline demographics, hypogonadal status, total testosterone, number of collagenase clostridium histolyticum cycles, and pre‐ and post‐treatment degrees of curvature were collected. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone <300 ng/dL. Results and discussion: Thirty‐six men were included with mean age of 58.2 years (SD 10.4) and mean body mass index 26.8 (SD 3.2). The mean total testosterone was 459.2 ng/dL (SD 144.0), and four (11.1%) were hypogonadal. Mean pre‐treatment curvature was 47.6°, and mean post‐treatment curvature was 27.8°, with mean improvement of 19.9° (40.1%). Hypogonadal status was not significantly associated with more severe curvature, 46.4° among hypogonadal men as to 57.5° among eugonadal men (p = 0.32). On linear regression analysis, total testosterone did not significantly predict improvement in degrees (β = –0.02; R2 = 0.06; p = 0.14) or percent (β = 0.0; R2 = 0.05; p = 0.18). Improvement in neither degrees nor percent differed significantly by hypogonadal status (p = 0.41 and 0.82, respectively). The cycle number did significantly predict greater improvement in curvature on both univariate and multivariate analyses (β = 5.7; R2 = 0.34; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Neither total testosterone nor hypogonadism is associated with a degree of improvement after collagenase clostridium histolyticum treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a condition of penile connective tissue affecting up to 10% of men worldwide. In the complexity of its management, nonsurgical treatments, such as intraplaque injections, are gaining attention. The current literature shows data on the efficacy of intraplaque injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) mainly in acute-phase PD. However, data on injections of HA in stable-phase PD are lacking. Data for this retrospective study were derived from a prospectively maintained database of private patients presenting at a private medical practice affiliated to the University of Naples "Federico II" (Naples, Italy) with stable-phase PD between January 2020 and March 2023. Patients underwent a standard protocol of three injections, each administered at a two-week interval. During the intervals, patients performed vacuum device therapy, penile stretching, and modeling exercises. All patients compiled the Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) and Global Assessment of Peyronie's Disease (GAPD) at baseline and 2 weeks after the third injection. A penile Doppler ultrasound was performed 2 weeks after the last injection to record the final curvature. Overall, we recruited 62 patients with stable-phase PD and a mean (±standard deviation [s.d.]) curvature of 52.7° (±9.7°). After 6 weeks, eight (12.9%) patients did not experience any curvature improvement. The remaining 54 patients had a final mean (±s.d.) curvature of 40.3° (±9.1°) with P < 0.001, compared to that before treatment. We found improvement in all PDQ domains (all P = 0.01), and 50 (80.6%) patients reported subjective improvement of the penile curvature according to the GAPD. In conclusion, we demonstrated that after three injections of HA administered according to the adopted protocol, patients with stable-phase PD could experience significant improvements in penile curvature, and physical and psychological consequences of the disease without significantly relevant side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peyronie's disease (PD) is characterized by abnormal penile curvature, and various surgical methods have been developed using different graft materials. However, there is currently no universal agreement on which type of graft is the best. The objective of this review was to evaluate the available literature and identify the most effective graft material for penile curvature correction in PD. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The patients, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) approach was used to define the eligibility of studies. Two authors independently selected studies, evaluated them, and extracted data. Random-effect models using the DerSimonian-Laird method were used. Most studies were single-arm studies and had a high risk of bias. Buccal mucosa grafts (BMG) were found to result in the highest penile straightening rates and were associated with the least de novo erectile dysfunction. TachoSil grafts demonstrated a high success rate in straightening despite a higher mean preoperative curvature, while Tutoplast grafts had a higher incidence of postoperative erectile dysfunction. BMG had the highest percentage of postoperative penile straightening. Overall, the TachoSil graft showed the best performance when preoperative curvature is taken into account. Based on the available literature, BMG appear to be the most effective for penile curvature correction in PD, but this is offset by the requirement for low preoperative curvature. The TachoSil graft shows the best overall performance when preoperative curvature is considered. Comparative randomized clinical trials are still needed to determine graft superiority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transformation of resident fibroblasts to profibrotic myofibroblasts in the tunica albuginea is a critical step in the pathophysiology of Peyronie's disease (PD). We have previously shown that myofibroblasts do not revert to the fibroblast phenotype and we suggested that there is a point of no return at 36 hours after induction of the transformation. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive this proposed irreversibility are not known. Aim: Identify molecular pathways that drive the irreversibility of myofibroblast transformation by analyzing the expression of the genes involved in the process in a temporal fashion. Methods: Human primary fibroblasts obtained from tunica albuginea of patients with Peyronie's disease were transformed to myofibroblasts using transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). The mRNA of the cells was collected at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours after stimulation with TGF-β1 and then analyzed using a Nanostring nCounter Fibrosis panel. The gene expression results were analyzed using Reactome pathway analysis database and ANNi, a deep learning–based inference algorithm based on a swarm approach. Outcomes: The study outcome was the time course of changes in gene expression during transformation of PD-derived fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Results: The temporal analysis of the gene expression revealed that the majority of the changes at the gene expression level happened within the first 24 hours and remained so throughout the 72-hour period. At 36 hours, significant changes were observed in genes involved in MAPK-Hedgehog signaling pathways. Clinical Translation: This study highlights the importance of early intervention in clinical management of PD and the future potential of new drugs targeting the point of no return. Strengths and Limitations: The use of human primary cells and confirmation of results with further RNA analysis are the strengths of this study. The study was limited to 760 genes rather than the whole transcriptome. Conclusion: This study is to our knowledge the first analysis of temporal gene expression associated with the regulation of the transformation of resident fibroblasts to profibrotic myofibroblasts in PD. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of the MAPK-Hedgehog signaling pathways in reversibility of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundPeyronie's disease (PD) can be subdivided into acute and chronic phases. Intralesional collagenase Clostridium histolyticum has been shown to improve curvature in the chronic phase. Initial clinical trials excluded patients in the acute phase from treatment. Recent studies show comparable results among men in the acute phase. The definition of acute phase varies among existing studies, but it is generally understood to last 12-18 months and is accompanied by penile pain and progression of deformity. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional collagenase injection therapy during the acute phase of PD using multiple definitions of the acute phase.MethodsAll men receiving intralesional collagenase for PD from October 2015 through December 2020 at a single academic institution were retrospectively assessed for patient demographics and comorbidities, pre- and post-treatment curvature, and adverse events. Two definitions of acute phase were used: (I) acute phase duration ≤6 months, chronic phase duration >6 months; and (II) acute phase duration ≤12 months with penile pain, chronic phase duration >12 or no penile pain.ResultsOf 330 patients identified, 229 underwent intralesional collagenase treatment with pre- and post-treatment erect penile goniometry. 65 (28%) met criteria for definition 1 of acute phase, 37 (16%) met criteria for definition 2, and 76 (33%) met criteria for either. Percent change in penile curvature was not significantly different between acute and chronic phases using definition 1 (16.0% vs. 16.6%, P=0.89), definition 2 (19.9% vs. 15.7%, P=0.43), or either (16.5% vs. 16.3%, P=0.96). The rates of development of bruising, swelling, hematoma, or corporal rupture were not significantly different between the acute and chronic phases under either definition (all P>0.05).ConclusionsThis single-center, retrospective cohort analysis suggests that intralesional collagenase is both safe and effective for the treatment of men with acute phase PD. Limitations exist inherent to retrospective review, since many men did not return for post-treatment goniometry, possibly skewing our cohort toward incomplete responders. Prospective, randomized studies will be required to confirm these findings.

Elastography is a noninvasive method that utilizes ultrasound imaging to assess the elasticity and stiffness of soft tissue. Peyronie's disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the male penis, causing the formation of fibrous plaques. This alters the penis's elasticity and can lead to changes in its shape. Ultrasound elastography (UE) is an important advancement in the diagnosis of PD. It not only identifies plaques, but it also measures their rigidity, providing crucial information to monitor changes during and after treatment. We conducted a narrative review of the scientific literature to identify articles that discuss the use of elastography in the diagnostic study of PD. The purpose of this study was to describe the "state of the art" in the diagnostic use of ultrasound in combination with elastography to highlight any benefits in the diagnosis of PD. We found 12 relevant articles after searching PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar using the keywords "ultrasound elastography" and "Peyronie's disease", including eight clinical studies, two case reports, and two review articles. The results of our review indicate that UE is a useful technique for identifying Peyronie-related plaques, particularly when they are not detectable using a standard ultrasound or physical examination. It is also helpful in monitoring improvements during and after conservative treatments. More research is required to confirm the effectiveness of ultrasound elastography in diagnosing Peyronie's disease and to determine whether it is better than traditional ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder affecting the tunica albuginea. It can cause pain and penile deformation, and its prevalence increases with age. Although surgery is the gold standard for the chronic phase of the disease, there are several conservative treatment methods available, and the optimal management of the acute phase of the disease remains a matter of debate. In this article, we aim to summarize the recent trends in research on the subject of non‐surgical treatment of PD. The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and included studies in English published between 2012 and 2022 investigating the clinical outcomes of non‐surgical PD management in humans. We have identified 20 distinct conservative treatment strategies. Among the oral therapeutics, only the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors is currently recommended for clinical use in patients with concomitant erectile dysfunction. The use of collagenase from Clostridium histolyticum is supported by the best quality evidence in terms of intralesional injections for patients suffering from significant penile curvature; however, interferon alpha‐2b can also be an option in such patients. Among other non‐invasive methods, extracorporeal shockwaves can be useful for pain reduction, and penile traction therapy can lead to a reduction in penile curvature and plaque size. Despite a wide range of non‐surgical methods available for PD treatment, the majority are not supported by sufficient scientific evidence, and the treatment efficacy is underwhelming. Further research on the subject of non‐surgical management of PD is highly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Some recent studies on PD have focused on the WNT-2 and TGF-β1 gene loci, but its genetic basis is still not clearly known. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the presence of WNT-2 and TGF-β1 gene expression and genetic similarity between patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) and comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Between May 2020 and April 2021, 57 patients diagnosed with PD were included in this cross-sectional study. The presence of comorbidities [Dupuytren's contracture (DC), DM, hypertension (HT), dyslipidemia, and erectile dysfunction (ED)] was recorded. For genetic analysis, the WNT-2 and TGF-β1 genes were analyzed in the patients' serum. Results: The mean age was found to be 50.2. 45.6% of the patients had DM, 19.1% had HT, 14% had dyslipidemia, 5.3% had DC, and 40.4% had ED. TGF-β1 gene expression was found to be increased in all patients; WNT-2 gene expression was found to be increased in 80.7%. When subtypes of the TGF-β1 and WNT-2 gene expression were analyzed, 52.6% of patients with WNT-2 gene expression and 95.5% of patients with TGF-β1 gene expression were found to be homozygous, and the others were found to be heterozygous. Patients with DM and PD had significantly higher homozygous WNT-2 gene expression (p=0.03). No significant relationship was found between other comorbidities and these genes. Conclusion: Homozygous WNT-2 gene expression was found to be increased in PD with DM. These data could be used to explain the genetic pathophysiology of PD in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficacy and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) have been demonstrated in the treatment of men with Peyronie's disease (PD); however, the pivotal clinical trials excluded men with ventral penile curvature. Aim: The study sought to evaluate outcomes of CCH treatment in men with ventral curvatures secondary to PD. Methods: Men with PD treated with CCH were identified from a prospective database. Patients received up to 4 series of CCH injections using a progressively modified protocol over time. Results were compared between those with baseline ventral vs nonventral penile curvatures. Outcomes: Changes in penile curvature, Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire scores, International Index of Erectile Function scores, nonstandardized assessments, and adverse events. Results: A total of 560 men with PD (85 ventral curvature, 475 nonventral curvature) were included in the analysis. Baseline median curvature was 60.0° (interquartile range, 48.8°-75.0°) in the ventral cohort and 65.0° (interquartile range, 45.0°-80.0°) in the nonventral cohort. Median change from baseline penile curvature was −25.0° in the ventral cohort vs −24.0° in the nonventral cohort (P =.08, between-group comparison), which corresponded to curvature reductions of 44.7% and 33.6%, respectively (P =.03). In the subset of patients who completed CCH treatment (ie, received 8 injections or discontinued early because of patient satisfaction with curvature reduction), median change from baseline was −35.0° in the ventral cohort vs −25.0° in the nonventral cohort (P <.05); median percent improvement was 48.3% and 37.5%, respectively (P = .11). Median change from baseline in Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function domain scores and adverse events were similar between cohorts, with the exception of possibly higher hematoma rates in the nonventral group (50% vs 37%; P = .05). No urethral injuries were sustained in either cohort. Clinical Implications: Data support the use of CCH for the treatment of ventral as well as nonventral penile curvatures in men with PD. Strengths and Limitations: Study strengths are the inclusion of a general clinical population of men with PD, the prospective design, and the relatively large series of men with ventral curvature. Limitations include the single-center and observational nature of the study. Conclusion: CCH was safe and effective in the treatment of both ventral and nonventral penile curvatures in men with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plaque excision and grafting (PEG) has been recommended for patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) with >60° curvature and/or hinge effect and strong preoperative erections, while placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is recommended when rigidity is suboptimal. Nevertheless, many patients counseled to undergo an IPP decline and insist on proceeding with PEG due to personal preference or desire to avoid an implant. Aim: We aim to review long-term outcomes in patients who underwent PEG for PD at our institution and investigate whether there is any difference in long-term outcomes in patients who undergo PEG despite a recommendation to undergo IPP. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review from 2007 to 2021 on PEG surgery performed at a single tertiary care institution in patients ≥18 years old who had >3 months of follow-up. Outcomes: Postoperative information was gathered from the electronic medical record, including postoperative erectile function, patient satisfaction, and the ability to engage in penetrative sexual intercourse. Results: An overall 251 patients underwent PEG with a median follow-up of 12 months (IQR, 6-54). Among these, 54 (22%) were initially advised to undergo IPP but elected for PEG. Patients who underwent PEG despite counseling to undergo IPP reported lower postoperative ability to engage in intercourse (51% vs 76%). Seven (13%) patients initially advised to undergo IPP eventually received an IPP, relative to 7 (4%) initially advised to undergo PEG. Clinical Implications: Thorough preoperative assessment of erectile function and penile deformity can guide clinician counseling and manage patient expectations during decision making between PEG surgery and IPP implantation for PD. Strengths and Limitations: Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, high attrition to follow-up, and risk of recall and selection bias. This is a large study with a median follow-up of 12 months, with a high-volume single surgeon who treats patients in a specialized population of complex cases. Conclusion: Patients who were initially counseled to undergo IPP due to suboptimal erectile rigidity but elected for PEG had worse postoperative ability to engage in penetrative intercourse, and a higher proportion of these patients eventually received an IPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cell therapy (CT) is a form of regenerative medicine under investigation for the management of male sexual dysfunction (MSD). Aim: We sought to perform a systematic review of published information on CT for MSD and provide an official position statements for the European Society for Sexual Medicine. Methods: A comprehensive bibliographic search on the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted in February 2023. Articles were selected based on the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Study design (PICOS) model if they included male patients (P) undergoing CT (I) with or without comparison with other treatments (C) and evaluated the impact of CT on sexual function (O). Quantitative data were reported as found in the original studies (S). Level of evidence and grade of recommendation according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine were assigned to each statement. Outcomes: Outcomes were determined based on assessment of erectile function, ejaculatory function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, and penile curvature. Results: A total of 19 studies and 421 patients were included. Most articles (n = 12, 63%) were case series, whereas a minority of papers (n = 6, 32%) had a comparative group; only 2 articles reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 1 article reported a post hoc analysis of RCTs. Most articles (16, 84%) investigated patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Improvements in the International Index of Erectile Function–Erectile Function Domain (IIEF-EF) or the IIEF 5-item version (IIEF-5) were found in 11/15 (73%) studies, with mean increases in IIEF-EF, mean IIEF-5, and median IIEF-EF between 8 and 14 points, 2 and 9 points, and 4.5 and 6 points, respectively. Two papers (20%) evaluated men with Peyronie's disease (PD). In both ot these articles penile curvature improvement and plaque volume reduction were described in all patients (n = 16, 100%). Objective measurements were performed in 1 study, which showed 10°-120° (15%-100%) curvature improvement and 90%-100% plaque reduction. Mild transient adverse events at the donor or administration sites were found in 7/16 (44%) papers on ED. Priapism was reported in one case (20%) and mild penile skin complications were reported in the majority of patients after CT for PD. No severe adverse events were described. Clinical Implications: Although high-quality evidence is lacking, CT appears to have potential benefits from application in patients with ED or PD. Strengths and Limitations: This report is to our knowledge the most comprehensive and up-to-date systematic review on the topic of CT for the management of MSD, including the position statements of the European Society for Sexual Medicine. Overall the assessment of available studies demonstrated low quality and significant heterogeneity. Conclusion: Preliminary findings support potential efficacy and safety of CT in patients with ED or PD. Low-quality papers, high methodological heterogeneity, uncertainty about the magnitude of the beneficial effects, and lack of long-term data limit the available evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]