Eggplant deformity in penile fracture

Dear Editor, A 21-year-old man presented to the emergency department with acute pain in the penis, which started with a pop-up sound after hitting of the erect penis with the perineum of his partner during sexual intercourse and was associated with immediate detumescence and gross swelling and blackish discoloration of the penis with abnormal bending (Fig. 1). There was no bleeding from the meatus. A single gentle attempt at catheterization was performed, which was successful. He was immediately taken to the operating room on the suspicion of penile fracture based on classic finding of eggplant deformity, and on exploration, approximately 1.5-cm transverse defect was seen on the right lateral aspect of the proximal shaft of the penis, which was repaired in watertight fashion (Fig. 2). On follow-up at 1 month, patient had no erectile dysfunction or abnormal curvature of the penis. Penile fracture occurs when there is a break in the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa, due to sudden bending of the penis while erect, usually during intercourse.[1] It is diagnosed on the basis of classic history and examination findings; however, radiological tests may be required if diagnosis is unclear. The so-called “aubergine sign” or “eggplant deformity” (swelling, blackening, and abnormal S-shaped curvature of the penis) is classic of penile fracture.[2] If Buck’s fascia is also injured, the hematoma may spread beyond the penis into the perineum or the suprapubic region. Immediate surgery is required to prevent erectile dysfunction and maintain penile length and for relief in pain.[1]Figure 1: Eggplant deformity in penile fracture.Figure 2: Tear in tunica albuginea before and after repair.