Value of Penile Elastography in Diagnosis of Patients With Erectile Dysfunction and Non-responders to Intra-corporal Injection

Value of Penile Elastography in Diagnosis of Patients With Erectile Dysfunction and Non-responders to Intra-corporal Injection

Penile erection is a neurovascular response that induces penile arterial dilatation, increased blood flow, and cavernous smooth muscles (CSM) relaxation; the enlarging corpora cavernosa compress the subtunical veins, against a rigid tunica albuginea, and entrap blood within the penis. Impaired CSM function can result in corporo veno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD) and erectile dysfunction. Nevertheless, diagnostic tests, which can evaluate the status of CSM, are not clinically applicable. Penile elastography is a new promising tool that can assess the stiffness of the corpora cavernosa. Accordingly penile elastography can assess the status of the cavernous tissue and can distinguish patient with corporal fibrosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• For group 1: Patients (age ≥ 21) have established sexual relationship for at least 3 months. These patients are complaining of ED and not responding to intracorporal injections (ICI).
• For group 2: Men (age ≥ 21) have an established sexual relationship for at least 3 months. These men have normal erectile function.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Peyronnie's disease, post-priapism corporal fibrosis, and clinically detected post traumatic corporal fibrosis, previous ICI therapy, history of penile and/or urethral surgery, liver cell failure, renal failure, heart failure, endocrinal diseases (e.g. thyroid- Adrenal), medications that may cause ED, and neurologic and psychotic disorders.