Peyronie’s Disease

Other Known Aliases – none

Definition – an acquired, localized fibrotic disorder of the tunica albuginea where thick, fibrous plaques compress the corpora cavernosa

Clinical Significance – The pathogenesis of Peyronie’s disease is unknown and is postulated to be multifactorial.  Patients experience pain, penile deformity, and sexual dysfunction

History – Named after François de la Peyronie (1678-1747), who was a French surgeon and received his medical training as a barber-surgeon in Montpellier in 1695.  He continued his academic career teaching and practicing surgery and anatomy throughout France.  In 1736, he was appointed first-surgeon to King Louis XV and was instrumental in organizing formal training in the surgical arts and was a major force in the creation of the 1743 law that banned barbers from practicing surgery.  Also in 1743, he first described the eponymous disease in a book on ejaculation dysfunction where described “indurations of the cavernous bodies like rosary beads” leading to penile curvature.  His last name, lapeyronie, means litter stone because his father was a stone cutter.  Its a shame he didn’t pursue management of kidney stones as his claim to fame.

References

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5. Up To Date. www.uptodate.com
6. https://www.baus.org.uk/museum/3/franois_gigot_de_la_peyronie
7. Fischer LP, Ferrandis JJ, Blatteau JE. [François de Lapeyronie, from Montpellier (1678-1747). “Surgery restorer” and universal spirit. The soul, Musc, rooster eggs]. Histoire des sciences medicales. ; 43(3):241-8. [pubmed]