Penile Arterial Insufficiency Research Articles

Endovascular penile revascularization improves erectile dysfunction in patients with penile arterial insufficiency

In most institutions, patients with erectile dysfunction due to penile arterial insufficiency are offered palliative treatments like vacuum constrictor devices, intraurethral alprostadil, intracavernosal injection of prostaglandins, and/or implantation of penile prosthesis when these patients can be treated by endovascular penile revascularization. 50% of patients with erectile dysfunction are non-responders to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. 70% of non-responders to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors have penile arterial insufficiency that can be treated with endovascular penile revascularization. Patients who are non-responders to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors should be screened for penile arterial insufficiency using penile duplex scan. If penile artery peak systolic velocity is <35 cm/s, then arterial insufficiency is suspected, and computed tomography (CT) angiogram is obtained to confirm presence of significant stenosis in iliac-pedundle-penile arterial system. Patients with penile arterial insufficiency should be offered endovascular penile revascularization. This minimally invasive procedure has minimal perioperative complications (<1%) and has significant clinical improvement in erectile function in >60% of patients at 12 months. Endovascular penile revascularization is safe and has long term clinical improvement in erectile function. This minimally invasive procedure can result in improved erectile function and preserves penile size and shape in most non-responders to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

Arterial stiffness, blood pressure progression and penile vascular disease in males with erectile dysfunction: a closer look at microcirculatory damage

Abstract Background Elevated aortic stiffness may be associated with microvascular remodelling and damage, which may be an important causal contributor to incident cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence supports the independent of age and blood pressure (BP) level predictive value of severe penile arterial insufficiency for adverse cardiovascular events. Purpose Aim of the study is to examine in men with erectile dysfunction the association of increased aortic stiffness with penile vascular damage by taking into account BP level. Methods We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and assessed microvascular (penile vascular damage) changes in four age-matched groups without a history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease; Normal BP (n=137), high-normal BP (n=94), stage I hypertension (n=82) and stage II and III hypertension (n=76). Microvascular damage was examined by measuring penile peak systolic velocity (PSV) with a dynamic penile color Doppler ultrasonography after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1. Lower PSV values indicate severe penile vascular disease. Results Carotid-femoral PWV increased and PSV decreased across BP groups (all P<0.001). In regression analysis increased systolic BP (b= -0.185, P<0.01) and PWV (b= -0.170, P<0.05) are significant determinants of low penile PSV after controlling for age, body mass index, cholesterol and smoking. We dichotomized carotid-femoral PWV taking into account the mean value in the whole study population. Figure shows the differences in PSV across the BP groups considering the cut-off PWV value of 8.5m/s (high vs low PWV). Individuals with higher PWV had lower penile PSV in normal BP (P<0.01) and in high normal BP group (P=0.02) after adjusting for age and systolic BP. On the contrary, hypertensive patients already have significant structural damage in the penile arteries and high PWV does not further reduce penile blood flow. Interestingly, figure shows the comparable PSV measurements between individuals with high-normal BP level who had high PWV and patients in stage 1 hypertension group denoting significantly impaired microvascular damage in males with high-normal BP and increased aortic stiffness. The high normal BP group has significantly lower PSV compared to normal BP group independently of PWV value. Conclusion Increased aortic stiffness may promote penile microvascular remodelling and damage in men without increased BP level. Additionally, in men with high-normal BP higher arterial stiffness is associated with comparable penile microvascular damage of men with arterial hypertension. Because aortic stiffening may be preventable, further clinical research on earlier preventive measures that focus on aortic stiffness and microvascular remodelling within individuals with erectile dysfunction who have normal BP is warranted.Aortic stiffness, BP level and PSV

Investigating the risk factors of penile arterial insufficiency and veno-occlusive dysfunction in patients with erectile dysfunction.

To investigate the risk factors for penile arterial insufficiency (PAI), which is a known cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Patients who attended our urology clinic complaining of ED for more than 6 months were prospectively enrolled in this study over 1-year period. Patient consent was taken and ethical committee approval. Complete medical history and thorough general and local examination including body mass index (BMI), Peyronie's disease (PD) and penile size measurements (length and girth) were done for all of them. Laboratory tests included testosterone, lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin (HA1c). A penile duplex ultrasound study (PDU) was done for all patients after intracavernosal injection (ICI) with alprostadil. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured after 15 min. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. A total of 440 patients were enrolled in this analysis. The mean age was 48(23-81), and the mean BMI was 30 (18-51). Older patients had lower PSV (r= -0.361, P= 0.000) and higher EDV (r= 0.174, P= 0.001), and both correlations were highly statistically significant. Diabetics had lower PSV (r= -0.318, P= 0.000) and higher EDV (r= 0.139, P= 0.008), which were also highly statistically significant. Smokers had lower PSV (r= -0.140, P= 0.008) and higher EDV (r= 0.178, P= 0.001), which were highly statistically significant. Men with larger penises measured skin to tip had lower EDV (r= -0.119, P= 0.024), which was less significant. Interestingly, there was neither a significant correlation between BMI and PSV (0.16, P= 0.745) nor a significant correlation between testosterone and PSV (0.029, P= 0.552). Also, there was no correlation between PSV and both dyslipidaemia and penile PD. Ageing, tobacco consumption, DM and hypertension seem to have a negative impact on penile haemodynamics, which was statistically significant. In our patients, there was no statistically significant effect on penile haemodynamics in patients with increased BMI, low testosterone or PD or according to the size of the penis.

(124) Investigating the Risk Factors of Penile Arterial Insufficiency and Veno-occlusive Dysfunction In Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract Introduction It was reported that a more generalized peripheral atherosclerotic process is associated with a severer penile arterial insufficiency (PAI), and this in turn was correlated well with decreased blood supply in more important arteries like the coronary and carotid arteries. Objective We investigated the risk factors for PAI which is a known cause of erectile dysfunction (ED Methods Patients who attended our urology clinic complaining of ED for more than 6 months, were prospectively enrolled in this study in one year period. Patient consent was taken and ethical committee approval. Complete medical history and thorough general and local examination including body mass index (BMI), Peyronie’s disease (PD) and penile size measurements (length and girth) were done for all of them. Laboratory tests included testosterone, lipid profile, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Penile duplex ultrasound study (PDU) was done for all patients after intra-cavernosal injection (ICI) with Alprostadil. peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured after 15 minutes. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Results A total of 440 patients were enrolled in this analysis. The mean age was 48 (23-81), and the mean BMI was 30 (18-51). Older patients had lower PSV (r=-0.361, P=0.000) and higher EDV (r=0.174, P=0.001) and both correlations were highly statistically significant. Diabetics had lower PSV (r=-0.318, P=0.000) and higher EDV (r=0.139, P=0.008) which were also highly statistically significant. Hypertensive patients had lower PSV (r=-0.296, P=0.000) which was highly statistically significant. Smokers had lower PSV (r=-0.140, P=0.008) and higher EDV (r=0.178, P=0.001) which were highly statistically significant. Men with larger penises measured skin to tip, had lower EDV (r=-0.119, P=0.024) which was less significant. Interestingly there was neither significant correlation between BMI and PSV (0.16, p=0.745) nor significant correlation between testosterone and PSV (0.029, p=0.552). Also, there was no correlation between PSV and both dyslipidaemia and penile PD. Conclusions Our study highlights key risk factors - Increased age, tobacco consumption, DM and hypertension - are factors that have a statistically significant negative impact on penile haemodynamics. Of these, tobacco consumption, good diabetic control and hypertension are potentially modifiable and should form part of any treatment plan for erectile dysfunction. Other risk factors – increased BMI, low testosterone, PD and penile size – had no statistically significant impact on penile hemodynamics. This allows for targeted advice that can be given to patients who present with this very common problem. Ultimately, good vascular health goes hand in hand with good erectile function. Disclosure No

MP45-02 INVESTIGATING THE RISK FACTORS OF PENILE ARTERIAL INSUFFICIENCY AND VENO-OCCLUSIVE DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP45-02 INVESTIGATING THE RISK FACTORS OF PENILE ARTERIAL INSUFFICIENCY AND VENO-OCCLUSIVE DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION Mohamad Habous, Ahmed Khattak, Mohammed Nassar, Saleh Binsaleh, and Gordon Muir Mohamad HabousMohamad Habous More articles by this author , Ahmed KhattakAhmed Khattak More articles by this author , Mohammed NassarMohammed Nassar More articles by this author , Saleh BinsalehSaleh Binsaleh More articles by this author , and Gordon MuirGordon Muir More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003291.02AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: It was reported that a more generalized peripheral atherosclerotic process is associated with a severer penile arterial insufficiency(PAI), and this in turn was correlated well with decreased blood supply in more important arteries like the coronary and carotid arteries.Aim We investigated the risk factors for penile arterial insufficiency (PAI), which is a known cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: Patients who attended our urology clinic complaining of ED for more than 6 months, were prospectively enrolled in this study in one year period. Patient consent was taken and ethical committee approval. Complete medical history and thorough general and local examination including body mass index (BMI), Peyronie’s disease (PD)and penile size measurements (length and girth) were done for all of them. Laboratory tests included testosterone, lipid profile, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Penile duplex ultrasound study (PDU) was done for all patients after intra-cavernosal injection (ICI) with Alprostadil. peak systolic velocity (PSV)and end diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured after 15 minutes. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. RESULTS: A total of 440 patients were enrolled in this analysis. The mean age was 48(23-81), and the mean BMI was 30(18-51). Older patients had lower PSV (r=-0.361, p=0.000) and higher EDV (r=0.174, p=0.001) and both correlations were highly statistically significant. Diabetics had lower PSV (r=-0.318, p=0.000) and higher EDV (r=0.139, p=0.008) which were also highly statistically significant. Smokers had lower PSV (r=-0.140, p=0.008) and higher EDV (r=0.178, p=0.001) which were highly statistically significant. Men with longer penises measured skin to tip, had lower EDV (r=-0.119, p=0.024) which was also significant. Interestingly there was neither significant correlation between BMI and PSV (0.16, p=0.745) nor significant correlation between testosterone and PSV (0.029, p=0.552). Also, there was no correlation between PSV and either dyslipidaemia or Peyronie’s disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights key risk factors - Increased age, tobacco consumption, DM and hypertension - are factors that have a statistically significant negative impact on penile haemodynamics. Of these, tobacco consumption, good diabetic control and hypertension are potentially modifiable and should form part of any treatment plan for erectile dysfunction.Other risk factors – increased BMI, low testosterone, PD and penile size – had no statistically significant impact on penile hemodynamics. This allows for targeted advice that can be given to patients who present with this very common problem. Ultimately, good vascular health goes hand in hand with good erectile function. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e621 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Mohamad Habous More articles by this author Ahmed Khattak More articles by this author Mohammed Nassar More articles by this author Saleh Binsaleh More articles by this author Gordon Muir More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

PD12-06 MICRO-SURGICAL PENILE REVASCULARIZATION AFTER PELVIC FRACTURE URETHRAL INJURIES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD12-06 MICRO-SURGICAL PENILE REVASCULARIZATION AFTER PELVIC FRACTURE URETHRAL INJURIES Reynaldo Gomez, Jessica Pfeifer, Laura Velarde, and Rodrigo Campos Reynaldo GomezReynaldo Gomez More articles by this author , Jessica PfeiferJessica Pfeifer More articles by this author , Laura VelardeLaura Velarde More articles by this author , and Rodrigo CamposRodrigo Campos More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003259.06AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Micro-surgical revascularization of the penis after a pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) has been proposed to recover erections and / or to improve the irrigation of the spongiosum prior to urethroplasty, aiming to prevent ischemic failure of the reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who lost their erection after a PFUI were studied with color Doppler ultrasound of the cavernous arteries after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin. Those diagnosed with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction were confirmed with a selective pudendal pharmaco-arteriography (with intracavernous prostaglandin) and were offered a micro-surgical penile revascularization by means of a bypass of the inferior epigastric artery to the dorsal artery of the penis. RESULTS: Between April 1990 and July 2022, 16 patients were revascularized before urethroplasty. All were acutely managed by suprapubic cystostomy without realigment. The median age was 32 years (range 20-57), the median time between the accident and revascularization was 9 months (range 2-30) and the median time between revascularization and urethroplasty was 2 months (range 1-7). The mean surgical time was 280 min (220-290), with no intraoperative complications. There were 2 Clavien I postoperative complications and one Clavien II.With a median follow-up of 102 months (range 3-367), no patient presented urethroplasty stricture failure and no patient recovered erections despite bypass patency (verified by postoperative Doppler ultrasound in 11). CONCLUSIONS: Micro-surgical revascularization of the penis is feasible and safe, requires expertise in micro surgery and does not seem to have a role in recovering erections after PFUI. On the other hand, long-segment ischemic stricture failure is an infrequent but catastrophic complication of urethral reconstruction linked to post traumatic penile arterial insufficiency. In this setting, penile revascularization may contribute to increase urethral blood flow and may be valuable to prevent ischemic failure of the urethral reconstruction. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e402 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Reynaldo Gomez More articles by this author Jessica Pfeifer More articles by this author Laura Velarde More articles by this author Rodrigo Campos More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Радиоволновая электротерапия с радиочастотой 448 кгц в лечении пациентов с органической эректильной дисфункцией: проспективное рандомизированное простое слепое Sham-контролируемое исследование в параллельных группах

To evaluate the efficiency of radio wave electrotherapy (448 kHz) for the treatment of patients with organic erectile dysfunction (ED).A prospective, randomized, blind, sham- controlled clinical trial was carried out. Inclusion criteria were as following: 1) patients with 5 to 20 points on the IIEF-5 score; 2) patients with proven organic erectile dysfunction lasting at least 6 months; 3) patients with penile arterial insufficiency and/or venous insufficiency, confirmed by doppler study of penile vessels with pharmacological stimulation (peak systolic velocity (PSV) <25 cm/s, end-diastolic blood flow velocity (DPV) >5 cm/s, resistance index (IR) < 0.8). The participants were randomized into two groups (experimental and control) in a 1:1 ratio. The full treatment course lasted 9 weeks. Patients underwent an assessment of erectile function based on questionnaires (IIEF-5, SEP, Schramek), as well as Doppler ultrasound of the cavernous arteries before inclusion in the study as well as a after treatment.The study included 61 men (experimental group [n=31], control group [n=30]. There was a significant difference in the IIEF-5 scores after treatment between the experimental group and the control group (19.5+/-3.2 vs. 15.1+/-5.4, p=0.017, respectively). Significant differences were also noted in mean total score of the SEP questionnaire: an increase to 3.6+/-1.0 in the treatment group compared to 2.4+/-1.1 in the control group (p=0.004). The results of the Schramek questionnaire also demonstrated a significant increase in the mean score in the experimental group compared to the control group: 4.2+/-0.6 vs. 3.2+/-1.0 (p=0.011). The response time to the drug and the detumescence time also significantly differed between the two groups: 11.9+/-4.0 min vs. 15.5+/-4.1 min, p=0.001 and 126.6+/-60.7 min vs. 66.2+/-40.9, p<0.001, respectively. Neither complications nor any adverse events were recorded during treatment or after its completion.Radio wave electrotherapy with a radiofrequency of 448 kHz can improve the IIEF-5, SEP and Schramek scores, as well as the indicators of ultrasound Doppler ultrasonography in patients with organic ED. To assess the feasibility of this method in patients with organic ED of different stages, further studies are needed.

Utility of Ceramide Testing in Men with Erectile Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a known precursor and sequelae to diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED AUA guidelines recommend evaluating standard CV risk factors including serum lipids and penile doppler to help stratify CV risk, but few patients are referred for further evaluation. Plasma ceramides are metabolic byproducts that are novel predictors of adverse cardiovascular events resulting from unstable atherosclerotic plaque. CVD risk conferred by ceramide levels has been shown to be independent of conventional risk factors such as LDL and hsCRP levels. Thus, Plasma MI-Heart Ceramide is a new test that useful for evaluating shorter term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the next 1 to 5 years. Objective We sought to evaluate the utility of ceramide levels in ED patients Methods We initiated ceramide testing in all patients with ED in late 2019 (in addition to lipids and Hgba1c). We queried our electronic medical record for ceramide levels and men with a diagnosis of ED. Ceramide levels stratified patients in normal, moderate, high, and very high risk. Twenty eight patients additionally had penile duplex ultrasound (DUS). Left and right peak systolic velocity values were averaged and a value of &amp;lt;25 cm/s was defined as penile arterial insufficiency. Results 245 men with ED and ceramide levels were analyzed. 44% (n=107) were normal, 42% (n=103) were moderate risk, 12% (n=29) were high risk and 2% (n=6) were very high risk. As result of their ceramide and office evaluation, 42% (15/35) of high/very high risk patients were referred for cardiac evaluation. Comparing ceramide scores in men with penile arterial insufficiency (16.7 cm/sec) vs patients without (43.2 cm/sec), we found no significant difference (p=1). Similarly, when comparing DUS results between ceramide risk categories, we found no significant differences (p=1). Conclusions One in 7 men presenting to an ED clinic had a high or very high ceramide risk. DUS results did not correlate with ceramide risk. Patients undergoing DUS (even without arterial insufficiency) may benefit from additional ceramide testing and possible cardiac referral. Further study is warranted to optimize utility of ceramide in men with ED and potentially decrease peri-procedural IPP cardiac morbidity. Disclosure No

Association between office blood pressure, antihypertensive medication use and male sexual dysfunction: a penile Doppler study

Abstract Background Arterial hypertension is associated with an almost two-fold increase in the likelihood of having an abnormal penile blood flow. Recent evidence supports the independent of age and blood pressure (BP) level predictive value of severe penile arterial insufficiency for adverse cardiovascular events. Purpose Aim of this study is to quantify the association between BP level and severity of penile vascular disease and to examine the potential for differences in effect of BP lowering medication use on the associations between BP level and penile vascular damage. Methods We measured penile peak systolic velocity (PSV) in 356 consecutive men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and without a history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease; The cohort was divided according to office systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP in three BP categories: normal (SBP &amp;lt;130 and DBP &amp;lt;85 mmHg, n=117), high normal (130≤SBP&amp;lt;140 or DBP 85≤DBP&amp;lt;90mmHg, n=91), and hypertension (SBP≥140 or DBP≥90mmHg, n=148). 164 (46%) patients of the whole study population were treated with antihypertensive medications. Low PSV values after intracavernous injection of prostanglandin E1 indicate impaired penile blood inflow and severe vasculogenic ED. Results Figure shows PSV measurements of the three office BP categories subdivided according to use of antihypertensive therapy. Treated and untreated hypertensive patients had similar mean PSV. Interestingly, the mean PSV of men with high normal BP not receiving antihypertensive drugs was significantly higher compared to PSV of men with high normal BP under therapy and significantly lower compared to PSV of normotensive males without therapy (all P&amp;lt;0.05). Among males not receiving antihypertensive medications there was a progressive decrease in PSV values from normal BP, to high normal BP and to hypertension (P=0.01, after adjustment for age), while among males under antihypertension therapy, the three BP categories had similar PSV level (P=0.54 after adjustment for age) (figure). Conclusion The inverse associations observed between hypertension status and penile arterial insufficiency in men not taking antihypertensive medication were attenuated or disappeared among men reporting antihypertensive medication use reflecting a medication effect or structural effects of longstanding hypertension on the penile vasculature. BP level, hypertension therapy and PSV Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Serum testosterone status in men with penile corporoveno-occlusive dysfunction

Background and objectives Vascular abnormalities are the most common factors in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). There are limited number of case series investigating the etiology of corporoveno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD). In this study, we evaluated ED patients with vascular etiologies and their serum biomarkers from a large database. Materials and methods The current study retrospectively examined the association between serum testosterone levels and basic lab works with Penile Doppler Ultrasonography (PDU) results. We retrieved and reviewed the records of 500 ED patients who had PDU at our institution between January 2012 and November 2018. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to compare different parameters between groups (CVOD and penile arterial insufficiency) and between two quantitative variables, respectively. Results Sixty patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and examined in this study. Patients’ mean age was 52.9 ± 11.5 years, and mean serum testosterone level was 15.57 ± 6.49 nmol/L. Thirty-nine (65%) out of 60 patients had abnormal EDV values (>5cm/sec), while eleven (18.3%) had abnormal PSV values (<35cm/sec). Among the patients with abnormal EDV values, we demonstrated that there was a statistically significant negative correlation between testosterone and CVOD (Pearson’s; r = −0.283; p = .028). Conclusions Our findings supported that low serum testosterone level is a risk factor for CVOD and so for ED. Future studies would benefit from larger sample sizes in order to support or refute our findings.

1116 - Correlation between penile Doppler ultrasound findings and penile arterial insufficiency under percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for patients with erectile dysfunction

1116 - Correlation between penile Doppler ultrasound findings and penile arterial insufficiency under percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for patients with erectile dysfunction

Evaluation of penile vascular status in men with epilepsy with erectile dysfunction

PurposeErectile dysfunction (ED) is common in males with epilepsy, likely of multifactorial etiology, including possible systemic vascular comorbidities and medication effects. Here we examined male patients for the possibility of a vasculogenic element of ED. MethodsResearch participants included 47 men with epilepsy (mean age=30.98 years; duration of illness=13.98 years) and 25 healthy matched men (mean age=30.36). Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5). Penile blood flow was assessed using Duplex Ultrasonography (PDU) after intracavernous alprostadil injection. Penile peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) were the functional parameters analyzed. Carotid artery intima media thickness (CA-IMT) was also measured. ResultsThirteen of the 47 men with epilepsy (23.40% versus 0% for controls) reported ED, and of these patients, 11 (84.62%) had abnormal PDU [PSV=28.23±6.1cm/s, P=0.0001; EDV=2.22±5.71cm/s, P=0.004; RI=0.89±0.22, P=0.071] suggesting vasculogic ED. Penile arterial insufficiency was identified in 5 (45.45%), while 6 (54.54%) had mixed arterial insufficiency and venous leak. Compared to patients with high PSV, patients with low PSV had lower IIED-5 scores, higher EDV, lower RI, higher diastolic blood pressure and higher CA-IMT values. There were no differences in depression, anxiety or concentrations of sex hormones. Significant correlations were evident between PDU variables and duration of illness, depression and anxiety scores and CA-IMT values. In multivariate analysis, the association between PDU parameters and CA-IMT values remained significant even after adjustment for other confounding variables. ConclusionsVasculogenic ED is frequent with epilepsy and its relationship to systemic atherosclerosis cannot be excluded.

Arterial erectile dysfunction: Different severities of endothelial apoptosis between diabetic patients “responders” and “non responders” to sildenafil

BackgroundThe low pharmacological response to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors represents an expression of higher endothelial damage in certain categories of patients with erectile dysfunction and high cardiovascular risk. The present study evaluated this objective in type 2 diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction, classified as “non responders” to Sildenafil. MethodsEighteen “responder” and twelve “non responder” type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated, relatively to different levels of endothelial damage, through the diagnostic use of a new immunophenotype of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CD45neg/CD34pos/CD144pos) and endothelial microparticles (CD45neg/CD144pos/Annexin Vpos), recently developed and published by our group. Results“Non responder” patients showed a significant higher severity [8.0±3.0 (International Index of Erectile Function-abbreviated version with 5 questions) vs 14.0±3.0] and duration (10.0±2.0 vs 7.0±2.0years) of erectile dysfunction, higher level of penile arterial insufficiency (peak systolic velocity=13.0±16.0 vs 28.0±26.0cm/s; acceleration time=153±148 vs 125±128mm/s) and finally a significant higher level of endothelial apoptosis [0.15±0.13 vs 0.05±.0.03% (serum concentrations of endothelial microparticles)] associated with higher serum concentrations of circulating late immunophenotype of endothelial progenitor cells (0.40±0.35 vs 0.12±.0.10%). ConclusionsThe results of this study corroborate the clinical value of the low clinical response to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in the patients with high cardiovascular risk profile, such as diabetics. In addition, the markers used in this study confirm their potential application in clinical practice as useful indicators of endothelial alteration. However, in the future we will have to assess a larger number of patients and for a longer period of observation in order to better understand the causal and temporal relations.

699 High blood pressure accelerates penile arterial insufficiency in young erectile dysfunction patients. A window of opportunity for preventing vascular disease

699 High blood pressure accelerates penile arterial insufficiency in young erectile dysfunction patients. A window of opportunity for preventing vascular disease

Intracavernous Injection of Papaverine for Erectile Failure R. Virag

I n 1982 in a letter to the editor of The Lancet [1], Virag exposed to the English literature the ability of an intracavernous injection of papaverine to induce an erection. He stated that an accidental intracavernous injection of that drug during an arterial epigastric cavernous anastomosis [2], a vascular procedure proposed to treat vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), had produced a rigid erection for 2 hours. After this finding, Virag decided to study the effect of papaverine in the physiology of erection. He studied 15 patients with organic ED and 10 with non-organic ED. Eighty milligrams of papaverine were injected into one corpora cavernosa and continuous recording of intracavernous pressure (ICP) was done through a 21 G needle inserted in the contralateral corpora cavernosa. Duplex ultrasound and pulse plethysmography were used for continuous monitoring of penile arterial vessels. In same cases, selective bilateral internal iliac angiography was performed. After papaverine injection, there was an ICP increase; this increase was higher when patient were under general anesthesia (mean of 70 mm Hg against 40 mm Hg without anesthesia). An increase on arterial flow was seen by duplex ultrasound, pulse plethysmography, and angiography; the peak effect was seen after 2–15 minutes after injection and lasted from 10 to 120 minutes. According to Virag, 7 out of 15 patients with organic ED reported improvement on their erections in the days following the study. All of seven had arterial ED. There was no improvement on patients with non-organic ED. Based on those results, Virag started a “conservative therapy” in 30 patients with ED who had Doppler and arteriographic evidence of penile arterial insufficiency, including 12 with diabetes mellitus. Patients received an intracavernous injection of 80 mg of papaverine and after 15 minutes, an infusion of saline with 1% of heparin via an infusion pump until they reached a rigid erection which was maintained for 15 minutes. The procedure was performed without anesthesia and was repeated after 2 months and every third month after that. Of the 14 patients who had at least two procedures, called by Virag as artificial erections, four returned to their “normal sexual life,” nine reported significant improvement in their penile rigidity, and one had no change in his erectile function. Virag concluded that papaverine was a powerful smooth-muscle relaxant, possibly acting as phosphodiesterase inhibitor or with an antinicotinic effect; to him, artificial erections were associated to vasodilation of pudendal arteries branches and with a possible “mechanical action” at the level of cavernous tissue. Sidney Glina

UP-3.098: Bulbar Artery Sparing During Reconstruction of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defects (PFUDD)

Reconstruction of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects (PFUDD) requires mobilization of the bulbar urethra to reach the prostatic apex. To achieve this, the spongiosum's bulb needs to be separated from the perineal body, with division of the bulbar arteries. The distal urethral stump then becomes a flap, with retrograde irrigation from the glans and some perforating arteries. However, in some cases, penile arterial supply is compromised by the pelvic fracture, resulting in penile arterial insufficiency. In such cases, ischemic necrotic failure of the urethral reconstruction has been reported. In this video we demonstrate a technique to preserve arterial blood supply to the bulb.

VID-05.10: Bulbar Artery Sparing During Reconstruction of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defects (PFUDD)

Reconstruction of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects (PFUDD) requires mobilization of the bulbar urethra to reach the prostatic apex. To achieve this, the bulb of the spongiosum needs to be separated from the perineal body, with division of the bulbar arteries. The distal urethral stump then becomes a flap, with retrograde irrigation from the glans and some perforating arteries. However in some cases, penile arterial supply is compromised by the pelvic fracture, resulting in penile arterial insufficiency.

Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction Is a Predictor of Abnormal Stress Echocardiography

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and atherosclerotic vascular disease have the same risk factors; furthermore, endothelial dysfunction has been shown to be a common link between these conditions. A high prevalence of silent coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with ED has been observed. The aims of this article were to define the prevalence and identify predictors of occult obstructive CAD in patients with documented vasculogenic ED. Duplex Doppler penile ultrasonography (DUS); exercise stress echocardiography; IIEF; CAD risk factors. Methods. Patients presenting with ED who had penile vascular insufficiency documented by DUS and who had no history of diabetes or symptoms of CAD were prospectively enrolled for noninvasive cardiac stress testing using exercise stress echocardiography. Forty-nine men (mean age 517 years) with an average duration of ED of 2.52 years were evaluated. Penile arterial insufficiency was present in 94%, and venous leak in 20% of patients. Comorbidities included hypertension (51%), hyperlipidemia (41%), and smoking (35%). All patients had at least one vascular risk factor, with 40% having two, 15% three, and 15% four risk factors. Ten patients (20%) had abnormal cardiac stress test. On univariate analysis, age, IIEF-EF domain score, cavernosal artery insufficiency, presence of venous leak, and history of a first-degree relative with CAD were significant predictors. On multivariate analysis, cavernosal artery insufficiency, venous leak, and family history of CAD continued to be predictors of an abnormal stress test. A significant proportion of men with vasculogenic ED have abnormal cardiac stress test. The greatest chance for abnormal cardiac stress test was observed in those with corporo-venocclusive dysfunction or family history of CAD. In some men presenting with ED, even without a CAD history, performing penile DUS or cardiology referral for stress testing should be considered.

Diagnostic value of nitric oxide, lipoprotein(a), and malondialdehyde levels in the peripheral venous and cavernous blood of diabetics with erectile dysfunction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the single most common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) seen in clinical practice. Evaluation of penile arterial insufficiency in diabetic patients currently entails expensive and invasive testing. We assessed the diagnostic value of certain peripheral and cavernous blood markers as predictors of penile arterial insufficiency in diabetic men with ED. This study was conducted on a total of 51 subjects in three groups: 26 impotent diabetics, 15 psychogenic impotent men and 10 normal age matched control males. All subjects underwent standard ED evaluation including estimation of postprandial blood sugar and serum lipid profile. Peripheral venous levels of nitric oxide (NO), lipoprotein(a) (LP(a)), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were obtained in all subjects. Patients in the two impotent groups underwent additional measurement of NO, LP(a) and MDA levels in cavernous blood. They also underwent intracavernosal injection (ICI) of a trimix (papaverine, prostaglandin E1 and phentolamine mixture) and pharmaco-penile duplex ultrasonography (PPDU). Compared to patients in the psychogenic group, diabetic men had significantly lower erectile response to ICI (P<0.001), lower peak systolic velocity (PSV) (P<0.001), and smaller increase in cavernosal artery diameter (CAD) (P<0.001). Peripheral and cavernous levels of both LP(a) and MDA were higher in the diabetic group as compared to the psychogenic ED group (P<0.001), while the values of peripheral venous and cavernous NO were lower (P<0.001) in the diabetic men. Comparison of biochemical marker assays with the PPDU results showed a significant negative correlation between both venous and cavernous LP(a) and MDA levels on the one hand, and PSV, and the percentage of CAD increase on the other. At the same time, peripheral and cavernous NO levels had a significant positive correlation with the same parameters. Lipoprotein(a), MDA and NO levels were better predictors of low PSV than HbA1c, cholesterol or triglyceride levels. The finding of high levels of LP(a) and MDA with low levels of NO in the peripheral and cavernous venous blood of diabetic men with ED correlates strongly with severity of ED as measured by PPDU. This provides a rationale for further studies of biochemical markers as a surrogate for traditional invasive testing in the diagnosis of penile arterial insufficiency.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—BASIC SCIENCE: Polymorphism of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction Endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in response to increased blood flow, maintains the tumescence phase of erection. The eNOS gene is located on the seventh somatic chromosome and the polymorphism of this gene has been reported to cause changes in the structure of enzyme system, resulting in disturbance of its activity. Aim The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the relationship between polymorphism of eNOS gene and erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods Thirty patients with ED (mean age: 58.7 ± 9.97, range: 39–74 years) and 25 voluntary controls (mean age: 56.44 ± 7.58, range: 47–72 years) were enrolled to the study. Patients with ED were evaluated with International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, routine blood tests for systemic vascular risk factors, and color Doppler ultrasonography while potency of the control group were only assessed with IIEF questionnaire. The presence of polymorphism of eNOS gene was determined in both groups by polymerase chain reaction in the fourth intron of the seventh somatic chromosome that encodes eNOS gene. Results The incidences of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were statistically higher in the ED group (P = 0.023 and 0.029, respectively) while mean IIEF score was significantly lower (P = 0.001). Evaluation with color Doppler ultrasonography revealed penile arterial insufficiency in six cases, cavernosal insufficiency in 19 cases, and mixed vascular insufficiency in five cases. The distributions of three eNOS genotypes (eNOS4b/b, eNOS4a/b, and eNOS4a/a) among ED patients and controls were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.05). However, eNOS4a/b genotype was statistically higher in diabetics (P = 0.042). Also, 80% of the patients with severe ED and 54.5% of the diabetic patients with ED had eNOS4a/b genotype. Conclusion In our study, no correlation was detected between the polymorphism of eNOS gene and ED. However, 80% of the patients with severe ED and 54.5% of the diabetic patients with ED had eNOS4a/b genotype. Based on our data, it seems that diabetic patients with ED tend to have more eNOS4a/b genotype.