Erectile dysfunction: timing of spectral wave-form analysis in the assessment of the function of the cavernosal arteries.

Color Doppler ultrasound seems to be an accurate method to evaluate vascular erectile function, in particular the arterial supply of the penis. Because of its relative noninvasiveness and easy performance, it has to precede more invasive evaluation (cavernosography and invasive angiography). Combination of wave form pattern analysis with peak systolic velocity measurements allows differentiation between arterial and venous insufficiency. Fifty-one patients suffering from erectile dysfunction, were examined with use of color Doppler ultrasound. Nine had adequate vascular function with good penile tumescence. However, during these adequate (late) stages of tumescence, peak systolic velocity fluctuated significantly. We conclude that in the late stages of tumescence, velocity measurements are not reliable as a parameter of arterial function.