Evaluation of association between peyronie disease and the presence of risk factors for atherosclerosis

Introduction: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a tissue disorder acquired in the tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis and its pathophysiology is not completely understood. The disease is characterized by the development of a fibrous plaque which affects the inner layer of the corpus cavernosumTA. The estimated prevalence of PD is 3 to 9% and its incidence has increased in the last years. Objective: To determine if atherosclerosis is associated with PD.
Methods: Case-control study. The sample consisted of a total of 56 patients who were treated at the Andrology Clinic of ISCMPA. The variables studied were collected from a questionnaire structured for this study. Laboratory tests and an ultrasound of the carotid were performed in the subjects.
Results: There were no significant associations of life habits with the disease. Very similar glycemic patterns, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk were found among cases and controls, with no evidence of a significant association.
Conclusion: The etiology of the disease remains unknown. Our study demonstrated that patients with PD do not have a higher risk of atherosclerosis and its associated risk factors. Future studies should be conducted in order to understand the disease and find ways of prevention and management.