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Intradermal Microdialysis: An Approach to Investigating Novel Mechanisms of Microvascular Dysfunction in Humans

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Published on: July 21, 2023

Erectile dysfunction, endothelium dysfunction, and microvascular damage in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Edoardo Rosato¹, Biagio Barbano, Antonietta Gigante

¹Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit-Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

|March 1, 2013

Summary

Erectile dysfunction (ED) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients is common and linked to endothelial and digital vascular damage. This study confirms ED correlates with impaired blood flow and microvascular issues in SSc.

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Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research

Published on: October 22, 2014

Area of Science:

Rheumatology and Urology
Vascular Biology and Medicine

Background:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc), often indicating underlying endothelial damage.
Understanding the relationship between ED, endothelial dysfunction, and microvascular damage in SSc is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and endothelial dysfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
To assess the association between ED and digital vascular damage, including capillaroscopic and perfusion abnormalities, in SSc patients.

Main Methods:

Erectile function assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) in 23 SSc patients.
Penile Doppler indices (peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity) measured post-pharmacostimulation.
Endothelial function evaluated via flow-mediated dilation (FMD); microvascular damage assessed using nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI), and digital photoplethysmography (PPG).

Main Results:

A high prevalence of ED (83%) was observed in SSc patients, correlating positively with FMD and cavernous artery peak systolic velocity (PSV).
Reduced FMD and abnormal Doppler indices were associated with increased capillaroscopic damage.
Skin perfusion (LDPI) and digital pulsatility (PPG) showed positive correlations with IIEF-5 scores and PSV, and negative correlations with end-diastolic velocity (EDV).

Conclusions:

Erectile dysfunction in systemic sclerosis patients is significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction.
Digital microvascular damage, as evidenced by capillaroscopy and perfusion studies, is closely linked to erectile dysfunction in SSc.