Comparison of Doppler and strain-gauge plethysmography to detect vasculogenic impotence

Doppler penile-pressure determinations to diagnose vasculogenic impotence require an experienced technician, can be time-consuming, yield inconsistent results and require much penile manipulation. Therefore the authors assessed and compared strain-gauge plethysmography as an alternative noninvasive procedure. Sixty-one patients with erectile failure had penile blood pressure determined by Doppler and indium-gallium alloy in Silastic strain-gauge plethysmography. Penile brachial indices were calculated. Strain-gauge results agreed with the Doppler measurements in all but three patients whose indices were found to be normal by Doppler and borderline by strain-gauge plethysmography. The sensitivity, accuracy and specificity of strain-gauge plethysmography were 93%, 95% and 100% respectively. Doppler determinations required an average of 20 minutes to perform, strain-gauge measurements only 4. The authors conclude from this study that strain-gauge plethysmography is a rapid, reliable, accurate method of determining penile blood pressures.     

Erectile response to visual erotic stimuli before and after intracavernosal papaverine, and its relationship to nocturnal penile tumescence and psychometric assessment.

Three methods of assessing erectile capacity--nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), response to visual erotic stimuli (VES) and to intracavernosal papaverine (ICI)--have been assessed in 42 men presenting with erectile dysfunction. There was some overlap but also important differences between the 3 measures. Subjects were divided into "high" and "low" NPT groups. The "high" group produced greater erectile responses to both VES and ICI. The combination of VES and ICI was the best discriminator of the two NPT groups, and may be of diagnostic value, particularly in younger men, reducing the need for repeated injections and higher doses of papaverine. In the "low" NPT group, presumed predominantly organic, the ICI response correlated better than the VES response with NPT. In the "high" NPT group, the opposite applied, suggesting that in "psychogenic" cases, response to ICI may be modified by psychological mechanisms which could be of aetiological importance and which deserve further study. These three methods should be regarded as measuring different aspects of erectile function and not as alternative diagnostic procedures. More research is required before their respective diagnostic values are established.     

小剂量服用他达拉非对阴茎夜间勃起作用的研究

目的:探讨他达拉非对阴茎夜间勃起的作用。方法:14例器质性勃起功能障碍(ED)患者予以小剂量他达拉非(10mg/3d)治疗,睡前口服,1个月后用夜间生物电阻抗容积测定(NEVA)监测患者阴茎夜间勃起情况。结果:14例器质性ED患者小剂量他达拉非治疗1个月后,其勃起功能比治疗前有明显改善(P<0.05)。结论:小剂量服用他达拉非可改善器质性ED患者夜间勃起。     

A new clinical method for the assessment of penile endothelial function using the flow mediated dilation with plethysmography technique

PURPOSE: Penile endothelial function (EnF) is 1 of the major factors involved in the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction. EnF assessment could offer crucial information on the etiology and degree of severity of cavernosal vascular pathology. In the present study we propose a new technique for the evaluation of penile EnF and test its applicability using strain gauge plethysmography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 healthy subjects (13 younger and 10 older than 40 years) with no history of erectile dysfunction were studied. The flow mediated dilation technique was applied to the arm and penis in both age groups for the assessment of EnF. Baseline blood flow and the sequential flow recordings after rapid cessation of 5 minutes of ischemia were obtained in both organs. RESULTS: Baseline flow in the penis was significantly higher (approximately 3-fold) than that in the forearm and was not affected by age in either organ. Both measures of penile EnF, ie area under the flow-time curve (AUC) and maximal flow obtained after ischemia were significantly lower in the older group compared to the younger group (p <0.01 and p <0.02, respectively). Individual penile AUC and maximal flow were significantly correlated with age (r = 0.55, p <0.01 and r = 0.50, p <0.02, respectively). Finally a positive, significant correlation existed between penile and forearm AUC (p <0.05, r = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the flow mediated dilation technique using mercury strain gauge plethysmography is simple and applicable for the assessment of penile EnF. Endothelial function parameters in the penis were found to correlate with those in the forearm, thus support for the validity of the technique is given. Further strength for the validity of this procedure in the penis comes from the comparison between the forearm and penis, and the relation to subject age.     

Analyses of factors contributing to the erectile dysfunction with aging by nocturnal penile tumescence, penile blood pressure index and papaverine test

To evaluate the factors contributing to the decline in erectile function with age, we performed measurement of nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) and penile vascular examinations in 407 men. The following results were obtained. 1) The penile circumferential increment during NPT measured by an erectometer was gradually decreased with age, especially markedly after 60 years of age. The percentage of subjects in whom the NPT was less than 10 mm increased with age: 2.7% in the 5th decade, 7.1% in the 6th decade, 16.7% in the 7th decade and 29.1% in the 8th decade. These findings indicate that the incidence of organic erectile dysfunction increased with age. 2) To evaluate the penile vascular status, measurement of penile blood pressure index (PBPI) and papaverine test were performed. The mean PBPI values were significantly decreased in the subjects over 70 years of age. The percentage of subjects having good response to papaverine injection obviously decreased with age: 66.7% between 50 to 59 years, 48.6% between 60 to 69 years, and 15.8% of over 70 years. All subjects in whom the NPT was less than 10 mm showed either a low PBPI level of less than 0.6 or an incomplete response to papaverine injection. These results suggest that penile vascular impairment plays a major role in the age-associated decline in erectile function. 3) We investigated the relationship between cigarette smoking and penile vascular impairment. Smokers showed not only lower PBPI values but higher incidence of the incomplete response to papaverine injection than nonsmokers. Therefore, it is considered that cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor in the erectile dysfunction that occurred in the aged.     

Comparative evaluation of impotence with vibration and nocturnal monitoring

Vibratory stimuli were used for diagnostic evaluation of 130 impotent patients. The stimuli were applied to the glans penis, and erectile response was measured and displayed on a recorder. The erectile response to vibration was compared with nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) monitoring and to artificially produced full erection. At the present time vibratory stimuli do not represent an alternative diagnostic method to NPT. However, the two methods are complementary. Erectile activity during vibration was detected in 43 of 130 patients. For these 43 patients further evaluation with NPT monitoring would not be necessary. Because vibration evaluation is performed as an outpatient procedure, it can contribute to a significant cost reduction in the evaluation of impotent patients.     

The effects of androgen depletion on human erectile function: a prospective study in male-to-female transsexuals

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of androgen depletion on erectile function in a population of male-to-female transsexuals. The erectile function of 25 consecutive male-to-female transsexuals on androgen depletion treatment and scheduled for surgical gender reassignment was prospectively evaluated using medical and sexual history, physical examination, total serum testosterone, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire, penile colour-coded Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) after pharmacological stimulation and nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test. All but one had undetectable or low testosterone. Subjective erectile function, according to IIEF-15 scores, and penile CDU findings did not correlate with testosterone levels, whereas NPT test findings correlated well with testosterone levels. These findings would suggest that nocturnal erections are androgen-dependent whereas sexually induced erections are androgen-independent. It can also be assumed that testosterone is important but not essential for male erectile function and that other androgen-independent pathways can be responsible for sexually induced erections.     

西地那非对夜间勃起作用的研究

目的:探讨西地那非对夜间勃起的作用。方法:对35例勃起功能障碍(ED)患者予以西地那非100 mg睡前口服,其中器质性28例,心理性7例。用尼娃(NEVA)监测夜间勃起情况。结果:28例器质性ED患者的勃起参数有明显改善(P<0.05),7例心理性ED患者无明显改善(P>0.05)。结论:在无性刺激条件下西地那非可改善器质性ED患者夜间勃起。     

Penile plethysmography useful in diagnosis of vasculogenic impotence

Pulse-volume recordings were obtained in 40 normal subjects and 62 patients with history of impotence. In office practice, this study proved to be valuable for estimating penile perfusion. Penile plethysmography is a unique and adaptable screening method for penile blood flow. It measures the contributions of all vessels at the root of the penis. Pulse-volume recordings also were found to correlate with the severity of pelvic angiographic patterns of occlusive disease. Further investigation is necessary to determine the precision with which the method can detect penile blood flow in patients with early vascular compromise.     

Role of confrontation in performance and interpretation of nocturnal penile tumescence studies

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) studies were performed in 39 men complaining of erectile impotency. In over half the cases, the tracings alone without the results of monitoring did not allow conclusive determination of cause or suggest a reasonable treatment. Results of technician-monitoring of erections, and the patient's reaction to confrontation with the erections achieved, allowed a rational basis for treatment in most cases. NPT testing should be (1) monitored, and (2) used as an adjunct to planning treatment for, but not to determine cause of, erectile impotency.     

Penile plethysmography on impotent men using vacuum constrictor devices

Vacuum constrictor devices achieve an erection-like state of the penis by means of a clear plastic cylinder, a vacuum pump, and a constrictor ring. Although these devices are noninvasive compared with penile injections and implants, they have been used less often in clinical practice. Part of the hesitancy to prescribe these devices has been related to the lack of published data concerning the effects of constriction on penile blood flow. In this report, we utilized penile plethysmography to estimate penile blood flow on 51 men before, during, and after the use of the constrictor ring. All patients demonstrated a 70-75 percent decline in the amplitude of the pulse-volume curve during constriction, but continuous blood flow was maintained in each case. Within sixty seconds after removal of the ring, the amplitude returned to baseline values for all men, including 12 patients with a penile brachial index of less than 0.7. Among 33 patients, there was evidence of a transient increase of amplitude following constriction, which was consistent with a postischemic hyperemia. These findings suggest normal penile blood flow, and indicate that the use of constrictor rings may be safe for patients with these tracings. Penile plethysmography appears to be a useful technique to help with patient selection and constrictor ring fit. Follow-up tracings probably should be scheduled at periodic intervals for men utilizing these rings and devices.     

Prolonged nocturnal penile tumescence caused by epinastine

PURPOSE: We report a case of prolonged nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) caused by the antiallergic agent epinastine. METHODS/RESULTS: We measured NPT using Rigiscan-Plus (DacoMed, Minneapolis, MN, USA) with or without the patient having taken epinastine. CONCLUSIONS: Considering its pharmacological effects on cyclic nucleotides, epinastine may have an effect on erectile function.     

夜间阴茎勃起测定在性功能障碍诊断中的应用

对自诉有性功能障碍的患者１２０例，进行夜间阴茎勃起（ＮＰＴ）测定。结果：１２０例中精神性阳萎４７例，占３９．２％；器质性阳萎７３例，占６０．８％。认为，通过ＮＰＴ测定作为阳萎患者的初步筛选是有一定的临床价值。     

Recovery of sexual function after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy or cystectomy

BACKGROUND: The recovery of sexual function (erectile function and frequency of sexual intercourse) over time after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy or cystoprostatectomy was evaluated. METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and muscle-invasive bladder cancer were treated with radical prostatectomy and radical cystoprostatectomy with a nerve-sparing procedure. Erectile function was evaluated by the circumferential change of the penis during nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT value) with an erectometer before and after surgery. Erectile function and the frequency of sexual intercourse were also evaluated with a self-administered questionnaire before and after surgery. Multivariate analysis by Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the factor(s) that affected the recovery of erectile function and sexual intercourse. RESULTS: The recovery rates of erectile function were 49% at 3 years and 79% at 5 years. For recovery of sexual intercourse the rates were 36% at 3 years and 57% at 5 years. Multivariate analysis revealed that the preoperative NPT value was the only independent factor which significantly affected the recovery of erectile function. The age at surgery was a significant factor for recovery of sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: Nerve-sparing operations can often, but not always, provide preservation or recovery of erectile function for patients who receive radical prostatectomy or cystoprostatectomy. Recovery of erectile function depends upon the preoperative NPT value and recovery of sexual intercourse depends upon the age of the patient.     

Impotence: a diagnostic approach

A diagnostic approach to erectile impotence using a sexual function questionnaire, nocturnal penile plethysmography, penile blood pressure measurement, cavernosograms, cystometrograms and plasma testosterone levels is presented. Case examples demonstrate the clinical value of these diagnostic tools. Psychogenic impotence should be diagnosed only after nocturnal penile plethysmography has demonstrated the presence of complete erections.     

Comparative study between audiovisualsexual stimulation test and nocturnal penile tumescence test using RigiScan Plus in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction

INTRODUCTION: Although the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test is considered the gold standard for the differential diagnosis of psychogenic versus organic erectile dysfunction (ED), concerns have recently been raised regarding the financial and time expenditure it demands. We evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of the audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS) test as an alternative to the NPT test. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients with ED were examined. Each patient filled in an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. The evaluation of each patient consisted of AVSS and NPT tests which were performed using the RigiScan Plus. The results obtained with the two tests were compared. The patients with normal NPT patterns were presumed to have a psychogenic etiology of their ED and those with abnormal NPT patterns to have an organic etiology. RESULTS: The overall IIEF score was 32.5 +/- (SD) 9.2, and the erectile domain score was 12.2 +/- 4.5. Twenty-three patients had normal responses to the AVSS test, while 20 had abnormal responses. Twenty-two of the former 23 patients and 9 of the latter 20 patients had normal NPT patterns. Therefore, the AVSS test discriminated psychogenic ED with 71% sensitivity and 92% specificity. The overall accuracy of the test in this study was 77%. CONCLUSIONS: The AVSS test is simple, practical, and inexpensive, and its diagnostic accuracy is comparable to that of the NPT test. We conclude that the AVSS test should be the examination of choice for the primary etiological diagnosis in ED.     

夜间勃起功能监测结果与他达拉非治疗勃起功能障碍疗效的相关性研究

目的:评价夜间勃起功能监测(NPT)结果与他达拉非疗效的相关性。方法:188例ED患者,根据NPT结果分为NPT正常组(n=136)和NPT异常组(n=52),2组患者均给予他达拉非治疗,3次/周,每次20mg。治疗前及治疗1个月后,分别评价IIEF-5评分、阴茎插入成功率(SEP2)、完成性交成功率(SEP3)以及总体评价问卷(GAQ),比较2组间治疗前后各项指标的变化。结果:2组患者用药后其IIEF-5评分、SEP2、SEP3均显著高于用药前(P<0.01)。NPT正常组患者治疗后的IIEF-5评分、SEP2、SEP3及GAQ均显著高于NPT异常组患者治疗后结果(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论:经过他达拉非治疗1个月后,NPT正常组患者勃起功能(包括IIEF-5评分、SEP2及SEP3)较NPT异常组改善更为显著,即NPT正常组患者行他达拉非治疗疗效更佳。     

脊柱或骨盆损伤后阴茎勃起功能障碍的病因分析

目的 分析脊柱或骨盆损伤后阴茎勃起功能障碍(ED)的可能病因.方法 回顾性分析2005-2009年收治的67例因脊柱或骨盆损伤后ED患者资料.年龄18 ～64岁,平均32岁.伤后时间3～144个月,平均38个月.其中骨盆骨折56例(84％),脊柱外伤11例(16％).患者自诉受伤前性功能正常.患者在未服用或停用PDE-5抑制剂的情况下进行IIEF-5评分、夜间勃起监测(NPT,Rigiscan系统,连续检测3晚)、阴茎彩色多普勒超声(CDU)检查.NPT检测夜间勃起＜3次,每次阴茎头部勃起硬度＜70％,时间＜ 10 min诊断为器质性ED.阴茎Ⅳ度勃起情况下,CDU检查峰收缩期速率(PSV)＜ 25 cm/s诊断为动脉性ED;PSV＞ 25 cm/s,舒张末期速率(EDV) ＞5 cm/s诊断为静脉性ED;排除其他原因的器质性ED诊断为神经性ED.结果 62例患者在6个月内未尝试性生活,5例患者IIEF-5评分5～8分.NPT检测证实62例患者均为器质性ED,其中骨盆骨折患者中神经性ED 24例(43％),动脉性ED 22例(39％),静脉性ED 10例(18％);脊柱外伤患者均为神经性ED.结论 骨盆骨折或脊柱外伤可导致器质性ED.骨盆骨折导致的ED可能合并血管性因素,而脊柱外伤所致ED为神经性.     

Penile revascularization surgery in vascular impotence

The application of objective diagnostic methods to patients complaining of erectile dysfunctions has proved that 30 to 40% are based on pathologic changes of the penile vascular system. The most important diagnostic procedures (NPT, Doppler, BCR-latency time, dynamic cavernosography with simultaneous passive erection, penile angiography) are emphasized and possible pitfalls with reference to misinterpretation of the diagnostic findings are discussed. Technique and results of current revascularization procedures (epigastricopenile anastomosis, revascularization of cavernous and dorsal arteries using vein grafts, deep dorsal vein arterialization) are discussed and first own experiences with aforementioned techniques presented.     

经尿道前列腺绿激光汽化术对BPH患者阴茎勃起功能的影响

目的:探讨经尿道前列腺绿激光汽化术(PVP)对BPH患者阴茎勃起功能的影响。方法:对128例BPH采用PVP的患者用IIEF-5评分问卷调查和夜间阴茎勃起试验(NPT)测定阴茎勃起强度。结果:随访成功者116例,随访率90.7%(116/128);术前性功能正常的患者均保留性欲和满意性生活;治疗前IIEF-5评分(22.52±1.65)分,治疗后为(21.78±2.62)分,差异无统计学意义;术后勃起强度下降发生率为9.5%。结论:PVP与其他前列腺手术相比对勃起功能功能的影响小;是前列腺增生安全、有效的治疗方式。