Abnormal deep dorsal vein resulting in veno-occlusive erectile dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Vascular Imaging
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting men's health.
• Venogenic erectile dysfunction can stem from abnormal venous drainage.
• Multimodality imaging is crucial for diagnosing complex vascular causes of ED.

Observation:

• A 59-year-old male patient presented with a 6-year history of erectile dysfunction.
• Diagnostic imaging revealed an aberrant emissary vein originating from the corporal bodies.
• This anatomical variation was identified as the cause of venogenic erectile dysfunction.

Findings:

• Ultrasound, MRI venography, and fluoroscopic venography confirmed the presence of the aberrant emissary vein.
• Selective coil embolisation was performed to occlude the abnormal collateral vein.
• The procedure resulted in immediate and sustained improvement in erectile function.

Implications:

• Aberrant venous drainage can be a treatable cause of erectile dysfunction.
• Interventional radiology offers effective minimally invasive treatment options for specific ED cases.
• Accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging is key to successful management of venogenic ED.