Dynamic and morphologic evaluation of erectile dysfunction on penile doppler sonography and contrast cavernosography

Penile erection is a complex phenomenon that involves coordinated interaction of the psychologic, hormonal, nervous, arterial, venous, and sinusoidal systems. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. This study aims to determine the real-time morphologic vascular abnormalities in men with ED using penile Doppler sonography in Kano, Nigeria.

Twenty-one patients who were referred from urology clinics on account of suspected vasculogenic ED were reviewed. The cavernorsal arteries were examined with 7.5 MHz linear transducer in gray scale and duplex Doppler modes before and after intracavernosal injection of 60 mg papevarine. Serial peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and diameter measurements were performed at 5-min intervals for 30 min.

The mean age of the patients was 43.14 ± 9.84 years. Out of the 21 patients examined, 5 showed normal findings while 10 had evidence of venous leakage. Five patients had arterial insufficiency; out of which 3 patients showed calcifications of the tunica albuginea, suggesting Peyronie's disease. Interestingly, 1 patient showed combining features of arterial insufficiency and of venous leakage. Those with arterial insufficiency were relatively older than other patients. They also had compounding medical conditions of diabetes and hypertension.

Vascular etiologies are important contributors of ED in our setting. Papavarine-induced Doppler sonography and cavernosography shows promise in accurate assessment and overall care of these patients.