ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Idiopathic partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum (IPTCC) is a rare, semi-acute disease in young, healthy men. In addition to an anatomical predisposition, perineal microtrauma is stated as the main risk factor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case report and the results of a literature search with descriptive-statistical processing of 57 peer-reviewed publications are presented. A therapy concept was drawn up for clinical practice. RESULTS: Our patient was treated conservatively and was consistent with the 87 cases which have been published since 1976. IPTCC is a disease of young men (33.2 years, range 18-70), which is associated with pain and perineal swelling in 88%. Sonography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved to be the diagnostic modality of choice, demonstrating the thrombus and in 89% a connective tissue membrane inside the corpus cavernosum. Treatment included antithrombotic and analgesic (nâ¯= 54, 62.1%), surgical (nâ¯= 20, 23%), analgesic (nâ¯= 8, 9.2%), via injection (nâ¯= 2, 2.3%), as well as radiological interventional (nâ¯= 1, 1.1%) options. In 12 cases, erectile dysfunction, mostly temporary, which required phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 therapy developed. Recurrence and prolonged courses were rare. CONCLUSION: IPTCC is a rare disease in young men. Conservative therapy with antithrombotic and analgesic treatment has shown good chances of full recovery. If relapse occurs or the patient refuses antithrombotic treatment, operative/alternative therapy management should be considered.