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Phantom Erection after Amputation of Penis. Case Description and Review of the Relevant Literature on Phantoms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 August 2019

C.M. Fisher
C.M. Fisher*
Affiliation:
Neurology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Fruit Street, Boston, MA, USA
*
Neurology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Fruit Street, Boston, MA, USA 02114
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Abstract:

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Background:

Perception of a phantom limb is frequent after an amputation of an upper or lower extremity. Phantom penis is reported infrequently.

Method:

Case description and literature review.

Result:

The phenomenon of phantom penis followed total penectomy. Several aspects were unusual, particularly the existence with phantom only in the erect state, and associated recrudescence of a preoperative painful ulcer. General features of limb phantoms after amputation are reviewed including a résumé of recent studies of cortical reorganization. The phantom process is analyzed looking for clues to the nature of the underlying neural organization. The puzzle of phantom pain is briefly touched on.

Conclusion:

The development of the phantom is attributed to activity in the deafferented parietal sensory cortex.

Résumé:

Résumé:<span class='italic'>Introduction:</span>

La perception d'un membre fantôme est fréquente après une amputation d'un membre supérieur ou inférieur. On a rarement rapporté un pénis fantôme.

<span class='italic'>Méthode:</span>

Présentation de cas et revue de lit-térature.

<span class='italic'>Résultat:</span>

Le phénomène du pénis fantôme s'est manifesté à la suite d'une pénicectomie totale. Plusieurs aspects étaient inusités, particulièrement l'existence du fantôme seulement en état d'érection et associé à une recrudesCence d'un ulcère douloureux préopératoire. Nous revoyons les caractéristiques générales des membres fantômes après amputation, incluant un résumé des études récentes sur l'organisation corticale. Le processus du fantôme est analysé pour chercher des indices sous-jacents sur la nature de l'organisation neurale. Nous faisons allusion à l'énigme de la douleur fantôme.

<span class='italic'>Conclusion:</span>

Le développement du fantôme est attribué à l'activité du cortex pariétal sensitif désafférentié.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , February 1999 , pp. 53 - 56
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 1999

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