The study of erectile deficit by Rigiscan

Abstract

The most widely used tests for a correct diagnosis of organic and psychogenic impotence are nocturnal erection monitoring, penile Doppler and intracavernous injection. 45 patients affected by impotence underwent NPT test while penile Doppler was performed in 32 cases; another 9 patients were given a PGE1 injection followed by real-time monitoring. A Rigiscan monitoring unit for penile rigidity and tumescence measurement was used to perform NPT and real-time FIC. NPT showed organic alteration in 15 cases, psychogenic deficit in 23 and dubious results in 9, (NPT was repeated in 2 cases). Doppler flowmetry was negative in 24 cases while it detected disease in 8. 13 of these 32 patients showed organic disease on NPT, 11 had negative results and 8 cases were considered dubious. Rigiscan nocturnal erection test seems to be the most reliable test for a correct assessment of impotence especially if it is used in combination with intracavernous injection.