Prevalence of Peyronie and Ledderhose Diseases in a Series of 730 Patients with Dupuytren Disease

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren, Peyronie, and Ledderhose diseases are related fibroproliferative disorders characterized by abnormalities in the connective tissue of the palm of the hand, the tunica albuginea of the penis, and the sole of the foot, respectively. Concomitant prevalence rates of these diseases have only been described in a few small populations. This article aims to report on a large population and to raise awareness in surgeons treating Dupuytren disease for concurring related fibroproliferative disorders.

METHODS: Patients diagnosed as having Dupuytren disease were recruited from outpatient clinics in the northern part of the Netherlands from 2007 to 2016. Questionnaires concerning demographics, clinical characteristics, the coexistence of Ledderhose and/or Peyronie diseases, and other factors were filled in by the participants and by plastic surgeons.

RESULTS: For 730 men with Dupuytren disease, the surgeons' reported prevalence rate of Peyronie disease was 7.8 percent and of Ledderhose disease was 16.1 percent. The participants themselves reported prevalence rates of 8.8 percent for Peyronie disease and of 22.0 percent for Ledderhose disease.

CONCLUSIONS: In the Dupuytren patient cohort, the prevalence of Peyronie disease was lower than that described in the literature. The prevalence of Ledderhose disease corresponded with the rates from the literature. However, both were underreported by plastic surgeons, which calls for a rise in awareness, recognition, and referral to a urologist when the conditions are bothersome or symptomatic.