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Vascular impotence: focal or diffuse penile disease.
E Wespes1, P Moreira de Goes, C Schulman
1Department of Urology, Erasme Hospital, University Clinics of Brussels, Belgium.
The Journal of Urology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Smooth muscle fiber percentage was lower in men with vascular impotence compared to controls. This reduction occurred diffusely throughout the penis, suggesting vascular impotence is a widespread penile condition.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Pathology
Background:
- Vascular impotence is a common condition affecting many men.
- Previous studies suggest structural changes in the penis may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the percentage of smooth muscle fibers in penile biopsies from patients with vascular impotence and compare it to cadaveric controls.
- To determine if vascular impotence is a localized or diffuse condition within the penile structure.
Main Methods:
- Computerized image analysis was used to measure the percentage of smooth muscle fibers in penile biopsies.
- Biopsies were obtained from 10 cadavers and 5 patients diagnosed with vascular impotence.
- Comparisons were made between different penile regions (proximal/distal, central/peripheral) and between corpora cavernosa.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in smooth muscle fiber percentage were found between penile regions or between the two corpora cavernosa within individuals.
- A significantly lower percentage of smooth muscle fibers was observed in patients with vascular impotence compared to cadaveric controls.
- The reduction in smooth muscle fibers was consistent throughout both corpora cavernosa in impotent patients.
Conclusions:
- Vascular impotence is characterized by a diffuse reduction in penile smooth muscle fibers.
- Penile biopsy and subsequent structural analysis can be a valuable tool in assessing vascular impotence.
- These findings support the hypothesis that vascular impotence is a systemic penile disease.