Penile Abscess Involving the Corpus Cavernosum: A Case Report

Abstract

A patient with a penile abscess containing mixed colonies of bacteria is presented. Ultrasound scan confirmed the physical examination findings of involvement of the corpus cavernosum. After incision and drainage the patient has normal erectile function.

Diagnosis of a Preputial Cavity Abscess with Bedside Ultrasound in the Emergency Department

“…In 1996, Napal Lecumberri et al published a case report in Spanish describing the diagnosis and treatment of a preputial abscess caused by gas-forming bacteria (8). Although there are several articles published in the urology literature describing ultrasound diagnosis of penile abscesses in the corpus cavernosum or periurethral locations, Napal Lecumberri et al is the only case report that describes ultrasound diagnosis of a preputial abscess (13)(14)(15)(16). We could find no reports in the English medical literature describing the use of bedside ultrasound by emergency physicians to diagnose a preputial abscess.…”

Cavernosal Abscess due to Streptococcus Anginosus : A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature

“…While many abscesses of the corpus cavernosum are idiopathic [15,16,17,18,19,20,21], cases have been described in association with priapism [2,11], alprostadil or papaverine injections [1,2,3,4,5], trauma [9], tuberculosis [22,23], penile prosthesis placement [6], and intra-abdominal abscesses [10]. There have also been case reports of cavernosal abscesses following perineal [8,9] and perianal [7] abscess drainage, presumably via extension through Buck's fascia.…”

“…There have also been case reports of cavernosal abscesses following perineal [8,9] and perianal [7] abscess drainage, presumably via extension through Buck's fascia. Although the corpora cavernosa are not typical sites of hematological spread of infection, Pearle et al [12] reported a case of cavernosal abscess secondary to a dental abscess with S. anginosus bacteremia.…”

“…While many corpus cavernosum abscesses have no identifiable trigger, cases have been reported in association with intracavernous injection therapy [1,2,3,4,5], foreign bodies [6], perianal [7] or perineal abscess drainage [8,9], intra-abdominal abscess extension [10], priapism [2,11], and even hematological seeding from periodontal abscesses [12,13,14]. Diabetic patients are at greater risk for penile abscesses, likely due to microvascular disease and relative immune system suppression.…”

Corpus cavernosum abscess from a blind-ending urethra after urinary diversion surgery

“…We report the case of an early diagnosis of corpus cavernosum abscess due to a blind-ending urethra in a patient who did not have the known risk factors, such as priapism,3 trauma,4 papaverine injection,5 foreign body insertion6 or cavernous body of penis cystography7 and who was successfully treated by antibiotic therapy alone.…”