Radiologic methods used in the diagnostics of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction

Contemporary methods of assessing erectile dysfunction include instrumental registration of nocturnal penile erections, the penile brachial index, Doppler sonography, use of vasoactive substances and various contrast radiologic methods along with studies of the hormonal profile, the neurologic status, examination of prostate excrements, etc. These methods are still not widely used in Bulgaria although their scope of application is quite well known. We report here our own experience in using the contrast radiologic methods for studying this pathological condition, in particular, the technique of digital subtraction pharmacocavernosography with cavernosometry introduced by us and used for this purpose. In some of the cases we used it in combination with digital subtraction angiography of pelvic arteries. Using these methods we can detect not only morphological but also functional disorders. On the basis of the data obtained we determine the particular therapeutic approach, specify the nature of the disorder and the effect of eventual surgical intervention.