Abstract
Retinal, choroidal and optic disc vascularity has never been evaluated in patients taking PDE5is long-term. The aim of our study was to evaluate the neurostructural and vascular changes after long-term use of tadalafil, using spectral domain (SD)-optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In the present clinical trial, 27 patients who have been taking tadalafil 20 mg on alternate days (OAD) for at least 6 months (Group A) were enrolled. The matched group consisted of 27 healthy men (Group B). Both groups of patients underwent SD-OCT to study ganglion cell complex (GCC), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and choroidal thickness and OCTA for the evaluation of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC) and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC). A reduction in SCP, DCP and RPC vessel density was found in patients using tadalafil long-term. Retinal and optic disc toxicity may be detected using modifications of capillary vessel density. Further studies are needed to investigate the possibility of a causal association.
Highlights
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) are the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) [1,2]
In the present study, 27 patients taking tadalafil 20 mg OAD were enrolled in Group
PDE5is are used to enhance the effect of nitric oxide in increasing the blood flow into the corpus cavernosum
Summary
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) are the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) [1,2]. Despite PDE5is mainly blocking phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), a minimal affinity to other types of PDEs has been previously confirmed [2]. It has been established that PDE5is suspend PDE2-4, PDE7-11 and PDE6 activities (10-fold less potent than on PDE5) [3]. The latter control the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in retinal rod and cone cells for visual signal transduction. Visual symptoms are well-known side effects of PDE5is; they do not seem to cause permanent toxicity on chorioretinal tissues and photoreceptors [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
