This article reviews the anatomy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the penis. The recommended technique for MRI of the penis is outlined, with discussion of the benefits and drawbacks to imaging the penis after artificial erection. Common penile pathologies are reviewed, with a summary of their clinical features, MRI appearance, and treatment. The ability to demonstrate the erectile bodies and vasculature helps to evaluate vascular pathologies such as priapism, Mondor disease, and cavernosal thrombosis. MRI is also a useful tool to assess for traumatic abnormalities of the penis, with the depiction of soft tissue anatomy and fascial layers allowing for evaluation of penile fracture and penile contusion. Malignant disease of the penis is also reviewed, including squamous cell carcinoma, urethral carcinoma, metastases, and rare neoplasms. Staging of these neoplasms is addressed, with discussion of how MRI can be used to assess the extent of tumor involvement. MRI also clearly demonstrates the tunica albuginea, which allows for evaluation of Peyronie's disease.
Abdominal radiology (New York). 2019 Nov 07 [Epub ahead of print]
Chris M Lindquist, Paul Nikolaidis, Pardeep K Mittal, Frank H Miller
Department of Radiology, St. Boniface General Hospital, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada. ., Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA., Department of Radiology and Imaging, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 15th Street BA-1411, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.