An Evidence-Based Perspective to Commonly Performed Erectile Dysfunction Investigations

Validation of the relationship between rapid eye movement sleep and sleep-related erections in healthy adults by a feasible instrument Fitbit Charge2

BACKGROUND

Sleep, particularly rapid eye movement sleep, has been found to be associated with sleep-related erections. While RigiScan is currently a more accurate method for monitoring nocturnal erectile events, the Fitbit, a smart wearable device, shows great potential for sleep monitoring.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the relationship between sleep-related erections and sleep by recruiting sexually active, healthy men for simultaneous monitoring of sleep and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using Fitbit Charge2 and RigiScan, we simultaneously monitored nocturnal sleep and erections in 43 healthy male volunteers, and analyzed the relationship between sleep periods and erectile events with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

RESULTS

Among all erectile events, 89.8% were related to rapid eye movement, and 79.2% of all rapid eye movement periods were associated with erectile events. Moreover, a statistical correlation was shown between the duration of rapid eye movement and the time of total erectile events (first night: 𝜌 = 0.316, p = 0.039; second night: 𝜌 = 0.370, p = 0.015).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our study shows a potential link between sleep-related erections and rapid eye movement sleep, which has implications for the current examination of sleep-related erections and further research into the mechanisms of erectile function. Meanwhile, the wearable device Fitbit has shown a potential promise for sleep monitoring in patients with erectile dysfunction. The results provide an alternative approach for further research on the relationship between erectile function and sleep with large sample sizes in the future.

Long-Term Outcomes of Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation for Patients With Atherosclerotic Erectile Dysfunction not Responding to PDE-5-Inhibitors

PURPOSE

Endovascular therapy of erection-related arteries was shown to be a promising treatment option for patients with severe erectile dysfunction. Purpose of this study was to assess the longer-term safety and clinical success rate of endovascular revascularization of erection-related arteries with the Angiolite BTK stent in patients with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 147 consecutive men (63.5±9.3 years) with erectile dysfunction due to 345 atherosclerotic lesions underwent endovascular revascularization. Patients received an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 questionnaire at 30.3±7.2 months (follow-up [FU] period no less than 18 months) after stenting. An improvement by 4 points in the erectile function domain consisting of 6 questions (IIEF-6) was defined as minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 99% of lesions. One major adverse event occurred after endovascular revascularization. Sixty-eight (46%) patients completed their latest FU at least 18 months following the last intervention. Minimal clinically important difference was achieved in 54% (37/68) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction not responding to phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors (PDE-5-Is), endovascular therapy with a novel thin-strut sirolimus-eluting stent is a safe and effective treatment option during short- and longer-term FU.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Patients with severe erectile dysfunction profit greatly from endovascular therapy of erection-related arteries. Stable clinical outcomes are seen beyond a 1-year timeframe. It is proven that, the drug-eluting stent therapy for atherosclerotic ED in patients who have not responded to PDE-5-I therapy is safe and effective during longer-term follow-up.

Venous Leak Embolization in Patients with Venogenic Erectile Dysfunction via Deep Dorsal Penile Vein Access: Safety and Early Efficacy

PURPOSE

This all-comers registry aimed to assess safety and early efficacy of venous embolization in patients with venogenic erectile dysfunction due to venous leak in an unselected cohort.

METHODS

Between October 2019 and September 2022, patients with venogenic erectile dysfunction resistant to phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors were treated with venous embolization using ultrasound-guided anterograde access via a deep dorsal penile vein in a single center. A mix of ethiodized oil and modified cyanoacrylate-based glue n-butyl 2 cyanoacrylate (NBCA) monomer plus methacryloxy-sulpholane monomer (Glubran-2, GEM, Italy) was used as liquid embolic agent. Prior to embolization, venous leak had been verified based on penile duplex sonography and computed tomography cavernosography. Procedural success was defined as technically successful and complete target vein embolization. The primary safety outcome measure was any major adverse event 6 weeks after the procedure. The primary feasibility outcome measure was IIEF-15 (International Index of Erectile Function-15) score improvement ≥ 4 points in ≥ 50% of subjects on 6 weeks follow-up post intervention.

RESULTS

Fifty consecutive patients (mean age 61.8 ± 10.0 years) with severe erectile dysfunction due to venous leak underwent venous embolization. Procedural success was achieved in 49/50 (98%) of patients with no major adverse events on follow-up. The primary feasibility outcome measure at 6 weeks was reached by 34/50 (68%) of patients.

CONCLUSION

Venous leak embolization via deep dorsal penile vein access using a liquid embolic agent was safe for all and efficacious in the majority of patients with severe venogenic erectile dysfunction on 6 weeks follow-up.

Frequency and anatomic distribution of arterial obstructions in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction not responding to intracavernous prostaglandin

Background: The extent of arterial disease in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) non-responsive to intracavernosal injection of Alprostadil is of importance for therapeutic options. However, published evidence, in particular angiographically validated is scarce. Here we investigated arterial lesion patterns in this specific patient cohort by selective angiography. Patients and methods: A cohort of 239 patients received a clinical and duplex-sonographic workup for ED of suspected vascular origin. Duplex ultrasound of the cavernosal arteries was performed after intracavernosal injection of 10 μg Alprostadil. Consequently, standardized workup included grading of the erectile and determination of peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in both cavernosal arteries. PSV-values below 30 cm/sec indicated reduced arterial flow, whereas EDV-values above 15 cm/sec indicated a venous leak of the pudendal veins. All patients with suspected arterial ED based on duplex sonography underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Endovascular therapy was carried out in ED patients not responsive or with significant side effects to PDE-5-inhibitors or Alprostadil by selective angiographic depiction of erection-related arteries. Results: 54 patients with a mean age of 61.2 (±9.8) years underwent angioplasty of erectionr elated arteries. Out of these 48/54 (89%) patients presented with an erection considered insufficient for penetration (E0-E3) subsequent to intracavernous application of 10 μg Alprostadil. 14/48 (29%) patients had bilateral arterial obstructions and 34/48 (71%) had unilateral disease. Commonly affected was the internal pudendal artery (n = 31, 65%), followed closely by the common penile artery (n = 30, 64%). The least affected arteries were the dorsal penile (n = 6, 13%), hypogastric (n = 4, 8%), common iliac (n = 4, 8%), cavernosal (n = 4, 8%), and inferior gluteal (n = 1, 2%) arteries. Conclusions: Arterial obstructions amenable to endovascular revascularization are frequent in patients non-responsive to intracavernosal prostaglandin administration. Therapeutic strategies in ED patients non-responsive to conservative measures should therefore consider endovascular treatment opportunities.

Effect of Edentulism and Oral Quality of Life on Sexual Functions in Men: A Cohort Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Edentulism has a serious impact on quality of life (QoL), and changes in QoL can affect sexual functioning.

AIM

To assess the correlation between oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) and sexual function in edentulous men.

METHODS

A total of 148 men (18-70 years) with incomplete natural dentition completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) at 4 time points: before (T₀), during (T₁), 4 weeks after (T₂), and 1 year (T₃) after dental treatment. Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, and Spearman's rank correlation tests were used for statistical analyses (significance at P < .05).

RESULTS

IIEF total scores differed significantly between the time points (P < .001), with medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) of 46 (7), 42 (8), 49 (6), and 52 (5) at T₀, T₁, T₂, and T₃, respectively. The highest rate of sexual dysfunction was detected at T₁ (42.2%) and the lowest at T₃ (26.6%). IIEF domain scores also decreased at T₁ and increased at T₂ and T₃ compared with T₀ (P < .05). Median (IQR) OHIP-14 scores were 26.0 (8), 28.0 (8), 20.0 (6), and 18.0 (5), respectively (P < .001). OHIP score was significantly correlated with IIEF domain scores (P < .05) and there were strong negative correlations between OHIP and total IIEF scores at T₀ (r = -0.737), T₁ (r = -0.802), T₂ (r = -0.831), and T₃ (r = -0.722) (P = <.001 for all).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Changes and correlations in IEFF and OHIP-14 scores; SD and ED prevalances at T₀; T₁; T₂ and T₃ periods.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Sexual functions was significantly correlate with OHQoL; thus patients with ED should also be examined in terms of toothlessness.

CONCLUSION

OHQoL was significantly associated with sexual function in men. However, correcting the problem of edentulism improved OHQoL and sexual function, with the best results observed after 1-year follow-up. H Turgut, S Turgut. Effect of Edentulism and Oral Quality of Life on Sexual Functions in Men: A Cohort Prospective Study. Sex Med 2021;9:100305.

Consecutive nightly measurements are needed for accurate evaluation of nocturnal erectile capacity when the first-night laboratory recording is abnormal

Multiple measurements of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) are widely accepted as a method to differentiate psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) from organic ED. However, direct evidence remains limited regarding the first-night effect on NPTR measurement using the RigiScan. Here, we evaluated the first-night effect on the results of NPTR measurement to validate the necessity of NPTR measurement for two consecutive nights, particularly when abnormal first-night measurements are recorded in a laboratory setting. We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients with a complaint of ED, who underwent NPTR measurement using the RigiScan in the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China), for two consecutive nights, during the period from November 2015 to May 2016. NPTR parameters were collected and analyzed. We found that more effective nocturnal erections were detected during the second night than during the first night (P <0.001). Twenty percent of all patients had no effective erection during the first night, but exhibited at least one effective erection during the second night. The negative predictive value of NPTR measurement during the first night was 43.2%; this was significantly lower than that on the second night (84.2%; P = 0.003). Most NPTR parameters were better on the second night than on the first night. The first-night effect might be greater among patients younger than 40 years of age. In conclusion, two consecutive nightly measurements of NPTR can avoid a false-abnormal result caused by the first-night effect; moreover, these measurements more accurately reflect erectile capacity, especially when the first-night record is abnormal in a laboratory setting.

Endovascular Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction-Who Benefits Most? Insights From a Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

To report the 1-year outcomes of a single-center, all-comers registry aimed to assess effectiveness and safety of endovascular revascularization for atherosclerotic erectile dysfunction (ED) in an unselected patient cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2016 and October 2017, 50 consecutive patients (mean age 59.6±10.3 years) underwent endovascular revascularization for ED owing to >50% stenosis in 82 erection-related arteries. Patients were treated by means of standard balloon angioplasty (16%), drug-coated balloon angioplasty (27%), or drug-eluting stent (55%) implantation. The primary feasibility outcome measure was the incidence of a minimum clinically relevant improvement of ≥4 in the 6-question International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-6) score at 12 months. Clinical effectiveness was improvement in erectile function as quantified in the mean difference (MD) of the IIEF-15 score at 3 and 12 months as well as the mean changes in IIEF-15 questions 3 and 4.

RESULTS

Procedure success was achieved in 49 (98%) of 50 patients. At 12 months, 30 (65%) of 46 patients achieved a minimum clinically relevant improvement in the IIEF-6 score. The overall IIEF-15 score, as well as scores for questions 3 and 4, improved in 32 (65%) of 49 patients, 28 (57%) of 49 patients, and 29 (60%) of 48 patients, respectively. Change in the overall IIEF-15 score at 12 months was consistent among subgroups, except for elderly patients [MD -5.0 (95% CI -9.7 to -0.2), p=0.041] and those with hypertension [MD -11.0 (95% CI -20.5 to -1.5), p=0.025], who showed less improvement.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular revascularization was safe and efficacious in the majority of ED patients through 1 year.

Effect of short- and long-term sildenafil treatment on erectile dysfunction in rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction

AIM

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are frequent problems in older men worldwide. We evaluated the effect of short- and long-term sildenafil treatment on erectile function in rats with surgically induced partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO).

METHODS

A total of 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized in five groups: (1) control (sham-operated); (2) PBOO for 3 weeks; (3) PBOO for 6 weeks; (4) sildenafil (1.5 mg/rat/day) treated PBOO for 3 weeks; and (5) sildenafil treated PBOO for 6 weeks. We assessed erectile function by measuring intracavernous pressures (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and total ICP after cavernous nerve stimulation. Corpus cavernous smooth muscle (CCSM) strips were isolated and evaluated for relaxation responses using organ-bath preparation. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression was determined immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Experimental PBOO at 3 and 6 weeks showed decreased erectile response based on ICP/MAP ratio, total ICP and decreased expression of nNOS, which returned to normal after prolonged daily treatment with sildenafil. CCSM strips from PBOO rats displayed reduced relaxation responses to both electrical field stimulation (EFS) and acetylcholine (ACh) as well as nNOS enzyme intensity when compared to untreated PBOO group, which was reversed by treatment with sildenafil for 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily sildenafil treatment prevents development of ED in PBOO rats in a time dependent manner. Further studies are needed to explore the effectiveness of sildenafil in patients with BPH/LUTS in association with ED.

Sexual dysfunction and infertility as late effects of cancer treatment

Sexual dysfunction is a common consequence of cancer treatment, affecting at least half of men and women treated for pelvic malignancies and over a quarter of people with other types of cancer. Problems are usually linked to damage to nerves, blood vessels, and hormones that underlie normal sexual function. Sexual dysfunction also may be associated with depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, and loss of self-esteem. Innovations in cancer treatment such as robotic surgery or more targeted radiation therapy have not had the anticipated result of reducing sexual dysfunction. Some new and effective cancer treatments, including aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer or chemoradiation for anal cancer also have very severe sexual morbidity. Cancer-related infertility is an issue for younger patients, who comprise a much smaller percentage of total cancer survivors. However, the long-term emotional impact of being unable to have a child after cancer can be extremely distressing. Advances in knowledge about how cancer treatments may damage fertility, as well as newer techniques to preserve fertility, offer hope to patients who have not completed their childbearing at cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, surveys in industrialised nations confirm that many cancer patients are still not informed about potential changes to their sexual function or fertility, and all modalities of fertility preservation remain underutilised. After cancer treatment, many patients continue to have unmet needs for information about restoring sexual function or becoming a parent. Although more research is needed on optimal clinical practice, current studies suggest a multidisciplinary approach, including both medical and psychosocial treatment options.

Sleep-related erections throughout the ages

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of sleep-related erections (SREs) has been known since antiquity.

AIM

To highlight historical, theological, and sexual medicine-related aspects of SREs throughout the ages.

METHODS

Review of old medical books on male sexual functioning and review of scientific medical and theological articles on SREs from about 1900 on.

RESULTS

The cyclic character of SREs was first noted by German researchers in the forties of the 20th century. However, already before the beginning of the Christian era, one knew that men had erections and ejaculations during sleep. In the Middle Ages, SREs were generally considered to be rebellious manifestations of the male body, while it seemed to disobey its owner and showed up its perverted and sinful side. From the fifteenth to the end of the 17th century, severe erectile dysfunction (ED) was ground for divorce. The ecclesiastical court records show that if necessary, the members of the jury sat at the defendant's bedside at night to be able to judge any SREs occurring. Since the 17th century, SREs were considered to be part of masturbation, which could cause many ailments and diseases. Psychoanalyst Stekel acknowledged in 1920 that a morning erection, the last SRE, is a naturally occurring phenomenon in healthy men from infancy to old age. Today, some scientists assume that SREs protect the integrity of the penile cavernous bodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Throughout the ages, philosophers, theologians, physicians, members of ecclesial law courts, psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, sexologists, physiologists, and urologists have shown interest in SREs. Obviously, the observations and testing of SREs have a long history, from antiquity to modern sleep labs, in men and in women, in newborns and old adults, by penis rings with sharp spikes to fancy strain gauge devices. Despite all these efforts, the mechanisms leading to SREs and its function are however not yet completely understood.

Sexual dysfunction in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), or NIH category III prostatitis, is a common clinical syndrome characterized by genital/pelvic pain and lower urinary tract symptoms in the absence of urinary tract infection. There is also growing recognition of the association of sexual dysfunction with CP/CPPS including erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory pain, and premature ejaculation. In this review, we discuss the association between CP/CPPS and sexual dysfunction, potential mechanisms for sexual dysfunction, and treatment strategies for erectile dysfunction in CP/CPPS.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a common clinical entity that affects mainly men older than 40 years. In addition to the classical causes of erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, several common lifestyle factors, such as obesity, limited or an absence of physical exercise, and lower urinary tract symptoms, have been linked to the development of erectile dysfunction. Substantial steps have been taken in the study of the association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Erectile dysfunction is a strong predictor for coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular assessment of a non-cardiac patient presenting with erectile dysfunction is now recommended. Substantial advances have occurred in the understanding of the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction that ultimately led to the development of successful oral therapies, namely the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. However, oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors have limitations, and present research is thus investigating cutting-edge therapeutic strategies including gene and cell-based technologies with the aim of discovering a cure for erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone deficiency causes penile fibrosis and organic erectile dysfunction in aging men. Evaluating association among Age, TDS and ED

Introduction

We studied the possible correlation between age, testosterone deficiency, cavernosal fibrosis and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

47 patients with ED were enrolled between September 2010 and October 2011. IIEF-EF score, NPTR test using the Rigiscan method, total and free testosterone levels, and cavernosum biopsy were carried out on all patients. Patients aged 65 or over were defined as Old Age (OA) while patients under 65 were defined Young age (YA). The strength of the relationships found was estimated by Odds Ratio.

Results

74% of patients with values of over 52% collagen fibers in the corpora cavernosa were found to have organic ED. A significant difference was found in age, percentage of collagen fibers, testosterone levels between patients with Positive Rigiscan (PR) and Negative Rigiscan (NR). Hypotestosteronaemia increased the risk of ED with PR (OR: 21.4, 95% CI: 20.2-22.6) and in both young age patients (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 2.4-6.2) and old age patients (OR: 15.5, 95% CI: 13.4-17.6). Moreover cavernosal fibrosis increased the risk of ED with PR in both young age patients (OR: 8.2, 95% CI: 6.4-10.0 and old age patients (OR: 24.6, 95% CI: 20.8-28.4).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a strong association among age, testosterone deficiency, cavernosal fibrosis and ED with PR. Age, testosterone deficiency and cavernosal fibrosis are potentially correctable factors of cavernosal fibrosis and organic ED. Further, prospective studies are needed to evaluate if testosterone treatment, alone or in association with PDE5 inhibitors, may lower the risk of cavernosal fibrosis or decrease the severity the fibrosis in ED patients.

[Association of nocturnal penile rigidity with testosterone, metabolic syndrome, and other variables: a prospective cross-sectional pilot study]

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to study whether nocturnal penile rigidity (NPTR) correlates with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and testosterone in men consulting for erectile dysfunction (ED).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

234 men were included in a prospective, cross-sectional pilot study. Serum total and bioavailable testosterone and other biochemical constituents were measured and compared with NPTR. Patients were classified by normal or low/abnormal penile rigidity (abnormal meaning predominant organic component of ED) and presence or absence of MetS to test the hypothesized correlations.

RESULTS

Application of the logistic regression model to rigidity as the dependent variable showed the risk of low penile rigidity to be significantly lower for patients with higher total (OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.92-0.99) or bioavailable testosterone (OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.84-0.99). Patients with testosterone levels between 8 and 12 mmol/L had a quadrupled risk of low penile rigidity compared with patients with higher levels (>12 mmol/L) (OR=3.96, 95% CI=1.89-8.31). Considering men without MetS, age and body mass index were associated as significant factors for low penile rigidity: age increased risk by 8% (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.03-1.13) and BMI increased it by 18% (OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.01-1.38).

CONCLUSION

Testosterone levels are weakly associated with penile rigidity and disappear when associated with MetS.

The false diagnosis of venous leak: prevalence and predictors

INTRODUCTION

As a vascular test, dynamic infusion cavernosometry (DIC) has lost popularity, and in the urologic community, penile duplex Doppler ultrasound (DUS) has become the sole test to investigate a vascular etiology of erectile dysfunction. Vasoactive agent redosing has been shown to increase the accuracy of DUS.

AIM

To define the erectile hemodynamics in men with previously diagnosed venous leak on DUS.

METHODS

Prospective data were collected on patients who (i) had been given a diagnosis of venous leak based on an outside DUS; (ii) elected to undergo a repeat DUS; and (iii) when the repeat DUS suggested venous leak, underwent DIC.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

DUS: peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity. DIC: flow to maintain.

RESULTS

292 patients were included. Mean ± standard deviation age was 44 ± 26 years. On repeat DUS, 19% (56/292) had completely normal hemodynamics and 7% (20/292) had arterial insufficiency only without venous leak. DIC revealed normal hemodynamics in 13% (38/292), while in 58% (152/292) of patients, the venous leak diagnosis was confirmed. Overall, 47% (137/292) of patients who had been given a diagnosis of venous leak had completely normal hemodynamics, and in only 43% (126/292), the venous leak diagnosis was confirmed upon repeat vascular testing. On multivariable analysis, younger age (<45 years), failure to obtain an adequate erection during the original DUS, and having <2 vascular risk factors were predictive of a false diagnosis of venous leak.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile DUS has a propensity to inaccurately assign a diagnosis of venous leak. Great care should be taken when performing DUS especially in younger men without a significant vascular risk factor history, and the failure to obtain a good erection should make the clinician cautious in assigning a diagnosis of venous leak. Furthermore, there still exists a role for cavernosometry, which appears to have a greater accuracy at diagnosing venous leak.

Glycosylated serum protein may improve our ability to predict endothelial and erectile dysfunction in nonorganic patients

INTRODUCTION

Early prediction of erectile dysfunction (ED) is critical in the treatment of impotence. Underlying pathogenesis may be the reason for ED without organic causes in young men.

AIM

We evaluated the early predictive value of glycosylated serum protein (GSP) in young patients whose ED was diagnosed as "nonorganic" in origin according to general criteria.

METHODS

A total of 150 young men with ED and 27 healthy men without ED were evaluated, including International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), causes of ED, influential or risk factors for ED, vascular parameters, and serum biochemical markers. Fifty-two ED patients aged 20-40 years without known etiology and 22 age-matched normal subjects were enrolled. The further assessment of two groups focused on vascular endothelial function and glycometabolic state.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Relationships among the IIEF-5 scores, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and GSP were analyzed in cases vs. controls, using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

No significant differences in baseline characteristics, cardiovascular risks, and conventional biomarkers were found between testing and control groups, except fasting blood glucose level (4.69 ± 0.50 vs. 4.29 ± 0.48, P = 0.003). FMD values were significantly reduced in cases compared with controls and correlated positively with IIEF-5 scores (r = 0.629, P < 0.001). GSP levels were significantly increased in the ED cases compared with controls and correlated negatively with IIEF-5 scores (r = -0.504, P < 0.001) and FMD values (r = -0.469, P < 0.001). These parameters independently predicted ED presence. The positive predictive value of FMD > 11.55% for excluding ED and of GSP > 210.50 mg/L for diagnosing ED were 86.4% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.942, specificity: 88.4%) and 84.5% (AUC: 0.864, specificity: 72.7%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Underlying glycometabolic disorder and subclinical endothelial dysfunction may be served as early markers for organic ED in young ED patients without well-known related risk factors. GSP level may improve our ability to predict endothelial dysfunction and erectile dysfunction.

Use and abuse of Rigiscan in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR, or, more simply, NPT) studies, with or without the help of a recording computer (Rigiscan), have been traditionally positioned at the head of several erectile dysfunction (ED) diagnostic flowcharts with the aim to distinguish between psychogenic and organic etiology. Shall we continue to consider these tools as a diagnostic gold standard in ED diagnosis?

METHODS

Four scientists with expertise and/or interest in the area of ED pathophysiology and diagnosis were asked to contribute their opinions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

To give to The Journal of Sexual Medicine's reader new stimuli to reexamine a still largely utilized tool utilized in sexual medicine's clinical practice.

RESULTS

Of the four experts discussing the topic, the first who is the section editor of the Controversy section, believes that NPT/Rigiscan cannot be considered a useful diagnostic tool for differential diagnosis in ED. He is supported by the physiological considerations of the second expert and by the experimental evidence produced and discussed by the expert number four who questions the accuracy, reliability, and usefulness of these tools to measure a critical aspect of the erection physiology which is the adequate rigidity. In contrast, with several good arguments, the third expert still suggests the use of these tools, perhaps not for every man presenting with ED, but at least for the patient with no neurovascular risk factors who presents with a history suggestive of a psychogenic cause.

CONCLUSION

The reader will judge if the expensive, complicated, and time-consuming effort to record nocturnal erectile activity is or is not useful anymore for the patient and for orienting the treatment choices.

Penile blood cyclic guanosin monophosphate level is associated with penile Doppler ultrasound findings

The aim of this study was to look into a molecule in penile blood sample that shows correlation with the tumescence grade and/or penile Doppler ultrasound findings. Patients admitted to urology outpatient clinic with the complaint of erectile dysfunction between November 2006 and April 2007 were evaluated. Patients with the history of phosphodiesterase inhibitor usage or genital trauma, genital abnormalities, Peyronie's disease, endocrinopathies, cardiovascular diseases and major psychiatric or neurological disorders were excluded. Those patients were later evaluated with a penile Doppler ultrasound, 10-20 min after intracavernosal injection of 60 mg of papaverine hydrochloride. Tumescence grade, peak-systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) were recorded. Blood samples were drawn from penis and the levels of calcium, myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, nitrite, nitrate, vasoactive intestinal peptide and cyclic guanosin monophosphate (cGMP) and the activity of superoxide dismutase were measured. A total of 46 patients with erectile dysfunction were included. The median age of the patients was 49.3+/-10.2 (range 24-67). We could not find any significant correlation between penile Doppler ultrasound parameters and any of penile blood measurements except cGMP that demonstrated a significant negative correlation with PSV (rho=-0.533, P=0.001) and RI (rho=-0.468, P=0.005). However, a positive correlation between cGMP and EDV was detected (rho=0.322, P=0.059). Mean cGMP levels were 3.347+/-0.694 pmol ml(-1) (2.295-4.685), 3.193+/-0.669 pmol ml(-1) (2.165-4.094) and 2.742+/-0.690 pmol ml(-1) (1.290-4.011) in grades 2, 3 and 4 tumescence groups, respectively, and the difference among mean cGMP levels of these groups were statistically significant (P=0.027). As a conclusion, penile blood cGMP level showed a significant negative correlation with mean PSV, RI values and tumescence grade, whereas there was a positive but insignificant correlation between cGMP and mean EDV value.