[Role of pulse volume recording in the evaluation of penile blood flow]

Pulse volume recordings were obtained in 53 patients who were hospitalized with urological disorders other than impotence. This method seems to record the total blood volume changes in the penis. Pulse volume recordings also were found to correlate with the value of Penile Brachial pressure Index (PBI). Therefore, it proved to be valuable for estimating penile perfusion. Pulse volume recording is a simple, reliable and adaptable screening method for abnormal penile blood flow. Further investigation is necessary to determine the precision with which the method can detect abnormality of penile blood flow in patients with abnormal venous return.