False diagnoses of venous leak impotence

Tests for erectile dysfunction using intracavernous injections of vasoactive drugs are currently popular and have resulted in frequent diagnoses of venous leak impotence. Tests used to make this diagnosis, however, have not been validated by study in control subjects. We present 2 cases of false diagnoses of venous leak impotence. Anxiety mediated through the sympathetic nervous system may block the action of intracavernous smooth muscle relaxants. The resulting incidence of false diagnoses of venous leak impotence is unknown.