[Radiologic and hemodynamic studies of sexual impotence of vascular origin]

Vascular pathology is responsible for about 25% of male impotence, the arterial investigation is now classical. In our experience a great number of patients showed a normal arterial condition, requiring further venous exploration. Cavernographies and pressure flow dynamics were used to evaluate 45 patients. The cavernograms allowed visualization of structural abnormalities within the cavernous tissues and their venous drainage. The heparinized and diluted contrast medium is infused at 80 to 120 ml/minute until the appearance of an erection, in normal condition the intracavernous pressure rise at greater than or equal to 80 mmHg as long as the erection last. The venous leak is characterized by the absence of erection, no increase of the intra-cavernous pressure and a rapid opacification of venous plexus under a normal perfusion flow.