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International Journal of Impotence... May 2024
PubMed: 38816576
DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00923-5 -
Radiographics : a Review Publication of... Jun 2024High-frequency US, with a linear transducer and gray-scale, color, and spectral Doppler US techniques, is the primary imaging modality for evaluation of the penis. It... (Review)
Review
High-frequency US, with a linear transducer and gray-scale, color, and spectral Doppler US techniques, is the primary imaging modality for evaluation of the penis. It can allow delineation of anatomy and assessment of dynamic blood flow; it is easily available and noninvasive or minimally invasive; it is cost effective; and it is well tolerated by patients. US assessment after pharmacologic induction of erection is an additional tool in assessing patients with suspected vasculogenic impotence, and also in selected patients with penile trauma and suspected Peyronie disease. Penile injuries, life-threatening infections, and vascular conditions such as priapism warrant rapid diagnosis to prevent long-term morbidities due to clinical misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. US can facilitate a timely diagnosis in these emergency conditions, even at the point of care such as the emergency department, which can facilitate timely treatment. In addition, color and spectral Doppler US are valuable applications in the follow-up of patients treated with endovascular revascularization procedures for vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. Image optimization and attention to meticulous techniques including Doppler US is vital to improve diagnostic accuracy. Radiologists should be familiar with the detailed US anatomy, pathophysiologic characteristics, scanning techniques, potential pitfalls, and US manifestations of a wide spectrum of vascular and nonvascular penile conditions to suggest an accurate diagnosis and direct further management. The authors review a range of common and uncommon abnormalities of the penis, highlight their key US features, discuss differential diagnosis considerations, and briefly review management. RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.
Topics: Humans; Male; Penis; Penile Diseases; Erectile Dysfunction; Ultrasonography; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38814798
DOI: 10.1148/rg.230157 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Extracellular vesicles have emerged as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication in the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases. One such disease is Peyronie's...
Extracellular vesicles have emerged as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication in the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases. One such disease is Peyronie's disease (PD), a fibrotic disorder of the penis caused by uncontrolled transformation of resident fibroblasts to alpha-smooth muscle actin positive myofibroblasts. These cells produce large amounts of extracellular matrix, leading to formation of a plaque in the penile tunica albuginea (TA), causing pain, penile curvature, and erectile dysfunction. We have used primary fibroblasts derived from the TA of PD patients to explore the role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a key signalling factor in this process. TGF-β1 treatment elicited a range of responses from the myofibroblasts: (i) they secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) that were more numerous and differed in size and shape from those secreted by fibroblasts, (ii) these EVs prevented TGF-β1-induced transformation of fibroblasts in a manner that was dependent on vesicle uptake and (iii) they prevented phosphorylation of Erk1/2, a critical component in modulating fibrogenic phenotypic responses, but did not affect TGF-β1-induced Smad-signalling. We posit that this effect could be linked to enrichment of TSG-6 in myofibroblast-derived EVs. The ability of myofibroblast-derived vesicles to prevent further myofibroblast transformation may establish them as part of an anti-fibrotic negative feedback loop, with potential to be exploited for future therapeutic approaches.
Topics: Extracellular Vesicles; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Humans; Myofibroblasts; Phosphorylation; Male; Fibroblasts; Cell Adhesion Molecules; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Penile Induration; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Cells, Cultured; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38811625
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62123-x -
World Journal of Urology May 2024Platelet-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...
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.
Topics: Humans; Penile Induration; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Male; Erectile Dysfunction
PubMed: 38811395
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-05065-3 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews May 2024The management of Peyronie's disease (PD) is a challenge for the clinician. Despite the lack of etiologic therapy, different nonsurgical approaches have often been...
INTRODUCTION
The management of Peyronie's disease (PD) is a challenge for the clinician. Despite the lack of etiologic therapy, different nonsurgical approaches have often been empirically proposed. The most used treatment is based on nutraceutical drugs with antioxidant activity, although such an intervention remains controversial.
OBJECTIVES
We reviewed the evidence from the randomized controlled trials included in the recommendations of the American Urological Association (AUA), Canadian Urological Association (CUA), European Association of Urology, and International Society for Sexual Medicine.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials, reviews, and guidelines on nutraceutical interventions for PD.
RESULTS
Our analysis provides detailed information on potential interventions, underlying the inconsistent evidence. Acetyl esters of carnitine, although not recommended by any of the available guidelines, showed potential benefit in some selected studies. Omega-3 fatty acids are not recommended due to withdrawn study evidence. The CUA and AUA were the only societies to consider the use of coenzyme Q10. While the CUA suggested that it might be offered as a treatment option, the AUA refrained from taking a definitive stance due to insufficient evidence. Similarly, conflicting recommendations have been produced on potassium para-aminobenzoate. While the CUA considers potassium para-aminobenzoate potentially useful in slowing PD progression, the AUA deems the evidence insufficient. Conversely, both the International Society for Sexual Medicine and European Association of Urology do not recommend its use.
CONCLUSION
This critical comparative analysis of the most recent guidelines produced by the leading scientific societies highlights some inconsistencies in the recommendations on nutraceutical intervention for PD, even within a background of overall ineffectiveness of this treatment approach.
PubMed: 38807529
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae038 -
JMIR Medical Informatics May 2024A large language model is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) model that opens up great possibilities for health care practice, research, and education, although...
BACKGROUND
A large language model is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) model that opens up great possibilities for health care practice, research, and education, although scholars have emphasized the need to proactively address the issue of unvalidated and inaccurate information regarding its use. One of the best-known large language models is ChatGPT (OpenAI). It is believed to be of great help to medical research, as it facilitates more efficient data set analysis, code generation, and literature review, allowing researchers to focus on experimental design as well as drug discovery and development.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to explore the potential of ChatGPT as a real-time literature search tool for systematic reviews and clinical decision support systems, to enhance their efficiency and accuracy in health care settings.
METHODS
The search results of a published systematic review by human experts on the treatment of Peyronie disease were selected as a benchmark, and the literature search formula of the study was applied to ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing AI as a comparison to human researchers. Peyronie disease typically presents with discomfort, curvature, or deformity of the penis in association with palpable plaques and erectile dysfunction. To evaluate the quality of individual studies derived from AI answers, we created a structured rating system based on bibliographic information related to the publications. We classified its answers into 4 grades if the title existed: A, B, C, and F. No grade was given for a fake title or no answer.
RESULTS
From ChatGPT, 7 (0.5%) out of 1287 identified studies were directly relevant, whereas Bing AI resulted in 19 (40%) relevant studies out of 48, compared to the human benchmark of 24 studies. In the qualitative evaluation, ChatGPT had 7 grade A, 18 grade B, 167 grade C, and 211 grade F studies, and Bing AI had 19 grade A and 28 grade C studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to compare AI and conventional human systematic review methods as a real-time literature collection tool for evidence-based medicine. The results suggest that the use of ChatGPT as a tool for real-time evidence generation is not yet accurate and feasible. Therefore, researchers should be cautious about using such AI. The limitations of this study using the generative pre-trained transformer model are that the search for research topics was not diverse and that it did not prevent the hallucination of generative AI. However, this study will serve as a standard for future studies by providing an index to verify the reliability and consistency of generative AI from a user's point of view. If the reliability and consistency of AI literature search services are verified, then the use of these technologies will help medical research greatly.
PubMed: 38771247
DOI: 10.2196/51187 -
World Journal of Urology May 2024To 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... (Review)
Review
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.
Topics: Penile Induration; Humans; Male; Conservative Treatment; Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; Traction; Hyaluronic Acid; Microbial Collagenase; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38740620
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04975-6 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Apr 2024Penile prosthetic devices are the standard treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) after failure of maximum medical therapy and conservative options. Several penile... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Penile prosthetic devices are the standard treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) after failure of maximum medical therapy and conservative options. Several penile lengthening procedures (PLPs) can be performed concurrently with penile prosthesis (PP) insertion in patients with severe ED, penile shortening, and/or Peyronie's disease to help combat negative emotional and psychological concerns from penile length loss with penile prosthetic device placement.
METHODS
An extensive, systematic literature review of the various pre-, intra-, and post-operative techniques that can be applied to preserve, restore or enhance penile length at the time of penile prosthetic implantation.
RESULTS
Numerous pre-operative and post-operative inflation protocols exists with vacuum erection devices and penile traction therapy. Intraoperative surgical techniques include cavernosal sparing and channeling without dilatation, subcoronal incision with circumferential penile degloving and grafting, the sliding technique, the modified sliding technique, the multiple-slit technique, the tunical expansion procedure (TEP), modified TEP, and the auxetic expansion procedure. These approaches can be meaningful to restore and/or preserve length for patients undergoing PP insertion.
CONCLUSIONS
PLPs can be performed by surgeons who have extensive penile reconstruction experience and have been trained to do these procedures, as there is significant risk to the patient and limitations to what can be expected. Each patient must be counseled in detail about the risks and benefits of these procedures and have their expectations managed as the average postoperative penile length recovery is around 3 cm and can range from 0-4.0 cm. Future research is needed to identify the appropriate candidate for each approach, and how much length gain the patient can expect.
PubMed: 38721300
DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-354 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Apr 2024Plaque incision and grafting (PEG) is a primary surgical therapy for severe penile curvature in Peyronie's disease (PD); However, it can increase the risk of erectile... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Plaque incision and grafting (PEG) is a primary surgical therapy for severe penile curvature in Peyronie's disease (PD); However, it can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly in patients with pre-operative mild ED. Soft penile prosthesis (SPP) implantation is a viable treatment option in such cases. This study aims to compare the outcomes of PEG-only approach to PEG plus SPP implantation.
METHODS
Between 2010 and 2019, 32 patients with PD and mild ED (5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function scores: 17-21) underwent PEG surgery. Two groups were defined based on the surgery type: PEG-only and PEG plus SPP. The long-term outcomes included correction of penile bending, erection quality, intercourse ability, penile length and sensitivity. The overall satisfaction and impact of surgery on sexual activity and quality of life were also assessed.
RESULTS
Of the 32 patients, 13 (40.6%) underwent PEG-only surgery, whereas 19 (59.4%) underwent PEG plus SPP. No significant differences were noted between the groups regarding pre-operative characteristics (all > 0.1) or intra- and post-operative complication rates (all > 0.2). The median patch area was larger in the PEG-only group (28 cm vs. 16.2 cm; = 0.001), whereas patients in the PEG plus SPP group were more likely to receive a single patch implant (100% vs. 53.8%; < 0.001). The penile length increased in 18 patients (61.6%), with significant differences between the two groups (30% vs. 81.2%; = 0.03). Overall, 14 patients (53.8%) reported greater satisfaction with their sexual life post-operatively, with comparable rates between the groups ( = 0.2). No significant differences were found in the post-operative 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function scores or severe post-operative ED (all > 0.5).
CONCLUSIONS
SPP placement during corporoplasty in patients with mild ED is safe and feasible, and it may be a suitable option for patients uncertain about inflatable prosthesis placement. The use of SPP resulted in longer penile lengths and necessitated smaller grafts. However, further data are required to understand the long-term clinical implications of this approach.
Topics: Humans; Male; Penile Induration; Erectile Dysfunction; Penile Prosthesis; Middle Aged; Penile Implantation; Prosthesis Design; Severity of Illness Index; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38715168
DOI: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20247703.36 -
World Journal of Urology Apr 2024About 10% of Peyronie's patients are complex cases with severe curvature (>60 degrees), ventral plaque, multiplanar curvature, hour-glass/hinge deformity, notching... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
About 10% of Peyronie's patients are complex cases with severe curvature (>60 degrees), ventral plaque, multiplanar curvature, hour-glass/hinge deformity, notching deformity, and ossified plaque. In patients with complex Peyronie's disease (PD), different techniques (shortening procedures, lengthening procedures, and penile prosthesis implantation (IPP)) may be necessary to achieve successful result. This review aims to analyze the various surgical techniques employed in the management of Peyronie's disease, with a specific focus on patients with complex deformity.
METHODS
Articles focusing on the surgical management of complex curvature in Peyronie's disease were searched in MEDLINE and PubMed published between 1990 and 2023.
RESULTS
Shortening procedures are linked to penile shortening and are not recommended for complex cases such as notching, hour-glass deformity, or ossified plaque. Lengthening procedures are suitable for addressing complex curvatures without erectile dysfunction (ED) and are a more appropriate method for multiplanar curvatures. Penile prosthesis implantation (IPP), with or without additional procedures, is the gold standard for patients with ED and Peyronie's disease. IPP should also be the preferred option for cases of penile instability (hinge deformity) and has shown high satisfaction rates in all complex cases.
CONCLUSION
While surgical interventions for complex curvature in Peyronie's disease carry inherent risks, careful patient selection, meticulous surgical techniques, and post-operative care can help minimize complications and maximize positive outcome.
Topics: Humans; Penile Induration; Male; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male; Penile Implantation; Penis; Penile Prosthesis
PubMed: 38689034
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04936-z