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EUROPEAN UROLOGY SUPPLEMENTS 12 (2013) 712

available at www.sciencedirect.com
journal homepage: www.europeanurology.com

Diagnostic Evaluation of a Man Presenting with Erectile


Dysfunction

Andrea Salonia *
Department of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy

Article info Abstract

Keywords: Context: Erectile dysfunction (ED) has progressively emerged as an important


Erectile dysfunction sentinel marker of cardiovascular and overall health among men. A timely and
Diagnosis accurate diagnosis of ED may thus represent a significant opportunity both to
Cardiovascular disorders diagnose the dysfunction per se and to identify comorbid and potentially life-
Sexual history threatening conditions.
LUTS Objective: To summarise the diagnostic evaluation of the man presenting with ED.
Testosterone Evidence acquisition: The most recently developed European Association of Urol-
Colour duplex Doppler ogy guidelines, International Society for Sexual Medicine recommendations, and
ultrasound standard operating procedures were analysed.
Evidence summary: The basic work-up for a man seeking help for ED should begin
by considering that ED may share several modiable and nonmodiable common
risk factors with cardiovascular disorders and other potentially life-threatening
conditions. In this context, a comprehensive medical history should be taken for
each patient including the assessment of current medications. A thorough sexual
history should also be noted including information about age, sexual orientation,
marital status, and sexual experience to gain a better understanding of the mans
sexual ecology. Physical examination and laboratory tests for patients with ED are
highly recommended but not always necessary. Recommended laboratory tests for
men with ED typically include a fasting glucose and lipids prole if not assessed in
the previous 12 mo. Hormonal tests must include a morning sample of total
testosterone. Some patients may need specic diagnostic tests including the
Rigiscan assessment of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity, a dynamic duplex
ultrasound penile blood ow evaluation, a dynamic infusion cavernosometry or
cavernosography, or an internal pudendal arteriography.
Conclusions: Most patients with ED can be adequately managed with a basic
diagnostic work-up that includes a comprehensive medical and sexual history,
along with a physical examination and some laboratory tests. Some selected
patients may also need specic diagnostic tests.
# 2013 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

* Tel. +39 02 2643 7286; Fax: +39 02 2643 7298.


E-mail address: salonia.andrea@hsr.it.

1. Introduction of the corporeal veno-occlusive mechanism [1]. Erectile


dysfunction (ED), defined as the persistent inability to attain
Erection is a complex neurovascular phenomenon under and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory
hormonal and psychological control. It includes arterial sexual performance [2], may relate to multifaceted complex
dilation, trabecular smooth muscle relaxation, and activation mechanisms. Among those are disruptions in neural,
1569-9056/$ see front matter # 2013 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eursup.2013.03.001
8 EUROPEAN UROLOGY SUPPLEMENTS 12 (2013) 712

vascular, and hormonal signalling [1]. ED is highly prevalent psychiatric approach [3]. The medical history will then
in men of increasing age, with moderate to severe ED rates consider all major pelvic and retroperitoneal surgeries that
ranging between 5% and 20% according to different sources may have had an impact on male sexuality [1,3,30].
[3]. From an epidemiologic standpoint, it is of major
ED has progressively emerged as an important sentinel importance that ED is strongly related with ageing, with
marker of cardiovascular health and a proxy of overall a steep incline in prevalence rates in men >40 yr of age and
health among men [49]. Data suggest that ED may be reaching a rate of 77.5% in men 75 yr [12,31]. The
significantly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular prevalence of ED is also closely linked to a progressive
disease (CVD), coronary artery disease, stroke, and all-cause increase in the occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms
mortality [6], and the increase is probably even indepen- (LUTS) [32,33], the presence and severity of which must be
dent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors [6,8,10]. carefully investigated in the patient experiencing im-
A timely and accurate diagnosis of ED represents a pairment of erectile function. Certainly less prevalent but
significant opportunity not only to diagnose the dysfunc- of great importance, especially in symptomatic younger
tion per se and the associated etiologic factors but also to men, is the presence of pelvic pain syndromes (eg, chronic
identify comorbid and potentially life-threatening condi- pelvic pain syndrome, chronic abacterial prostatitis), also
tions [3,10]. While maintaining the standards of simplicity possibly associated with voiding disorders and ED [34]. The
and reproducibility, the diagnosis of ED has to be as detailed medical history should also take these factors into account.
as possible. This means taking a thoughtful medical and A thorough evaluation of a patients current treatment
sexual history including validated psychometric question- for any reason should include a complete medical history.
naires to evaluate subjective complaints. Physical exami- Detailed knowledge of concurrent therapy (eg, antidepres-
nation, laboratory testing, and instrumental assessment sants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives [ie, thiazides, b-
must be tailored both to patient complaints and individual blockers] [35], nitrates and nitrate donors, antiandrogens)
risk factors. not only has a role in helping the physician gain a better
understanding of the possible pathophysiologic pathways
2. Basic diagnostic assessment of erectile of ED but also may potentially play a protective role. Some
dysfunction medications for ED (eg, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
[PDE5-Is]) may be dangerous if taken concurrently with
2.1. Medical history other compounds, for whatever medical reason [3]. Due to
the high prevalence of coexisting ED and LUTS, a complete
The basic work-up for ED diagnosis should begin by medical history should include collecting information
recognising that ED shares several common risk factors regarding the potential use of any a-blockers and 5a-
with CVD [11]. A comprehensive medical history for reductase inhibitors [36].
each patient must include both modifiable risk factors
[1214] (eg, limited or no physical exercise, obesity [15], 2.2. Sexual history
dyslipidaemia, smoking and use of recreational drugs [3],
and excessive alcohol intake [3,12]) and nonmodifiable risk Taking a sexual history is mandatory for all patients
factors [12]. complaining of any sexual dysfunction/disorder [3,37].
Among the large number of potential comorbid Age, sexual orientation, marital status, and sexual experi-
conditions, the signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus ence should always be considered to better understand the
[12,16,17], controlled and uncontrolled hypertension individuals sexual ecology. After having inquired whether
[11,18], sleep disturbances (eg, obstructive sleep apnoea or not the patient is sexually active and has sought medical
[19]), metabolic syndrome [20,21], and late-onset help previously, the basic and minimal work-up in men
hypogonadism/testosterone deficiency syndrome [22,23] with ED should consider the onset and duration of the
or other hormonal causes of male sexual dysfunctions [24] erectile problem, along with a detailed investigation about
should be considered. the rigidity and duration of nocturnal/morning erections,
The work-up should also consider symptoms and signs of erogenous erections, and erections achieved by masturba-
depression (which may be primary to the disorder or even tion [3,37]. Althof et al. [37] recently stated that sexual
acquired after ED onset) [25] or anxiety disorders [12,26,27] history taking should always be conducted in a culturally
because they may have an impact on the long-term sensitive manner, considering the individuals background
treatment compliance of men with ED, and they may also and lifestyle, status of a partner relationship, and the
cause poor adherence to any medication/treatment ap- clinicians comfort level and experience with the topic. This
proach [28]. Impairment of erectile functioning is also would also eventually take into consideration the ability to
frequently comorbid with neurologic disorders or with the gather information about potential problems with sexual
functional outcomes of neurologic diseases. For instance, desire, nongenital arousal, ejaculation, and orgasm.
the prevalence and severity of multiple sclerosis, Diagnosis of congenital or acquired penile curvature (eg,
Parkinsons disease, and the outcomes of stroke cerebri secondary due to Peyronies disease) is mainly based on
must always fall within the anamnestic medical evaluation medical and sexual histories [38]. Sexual history taking
of a patient seeking medical help for ED [29]. Any known or must detail the potential symptomatology associated with
newly diagnosed psychiatric disorder will require a formal the appearance of plaques on the penis, the presence or
EUROPEAN UROLOGY SUPPLEMENTS 12 (2013) 712 9

absence of pain in a state of penile flaccidity or erection, and sample of total testosterone [3,22,23,42]. Additional labo-
the impact of the geometric modification of the erect penis ratory tests (eg, thyroid function, prolactin, and luteinising
in terms of sexual ecology [37,38]. hormone) may be performed at the discretion of the
To provide an objective frame of reference for interpret- physician based on the medical history and the clinicians
ing ED severity, validated questionnaires, such as the judgement [24,42].
International Index of Erectile Function [39] or the According to the EAU guidelines on prostate cancer [43],
Male Sexual Health Questionnaire [40], may help assess current evidence is insufficient to warrant widespread
all sexual function domains, as well as the impact of a population-based screening by prostate-specific antigen
specific treatment modality. However, the use of these (PSA) for prostate cancer (PCa). However, serum PSA
psychometric tools in everyday clinical practice is certainly measurement is indicated in selected men >45 yr of age
not required. during the work-up of patients presenting with ED,
particularly for the detection of PCa and if testosterone
2.3. Physical examination replacement therapy is considered [3,42].

Physical examination in patients with ED usually does not 3. Specialised diagnostic tests
reveal the diagnosis. According to the recommendations of
the International Consultation in Sexual Medicine (ICSM) The vast majority of patients with ED can be managed
for the clinical evaluation of men and women with sexual adequately without further diagnostic assessments, but
dysfunction [41], physical examination is highly recom- some patients may benefit from specific diagnostic tests
mended but not always necessary (grade C) [41]. Therefore, [3]. Among them are men with primary erectile disorders
the aim of physical examination in men with ED is to assess (not associated with an acquired organic disease or a
genitourinary anatomy as well as endocrine, vascular, and psychogenic disorder), young patients with arteriogenic ED
neurologic systems [3,42]. Of major clinical importance is coupled with a history of either pelvic or perineal trauma, and
the role of the physical examination in assessing potential patients with complex endocrine, psychiatric, or psychosex-
signs and symptoms of comorbidities including neurologic, ual disorders. Specific tests should be ordered for men with
cardiovascular, and possibly life-threatening conditions. congenital or acquired penile deformities who may eventu-
Physical examination is highly recommended and may ally benefit from surgical correction [42].
reveal important information in patients with Peyronies
plaques or atrophic testicles. Local examination thus 3.1. Rigiscan assessment of nocturnal penile tumescence and
includes inspection of the penile shaft for size, position of rigidity
the meatus, scars and skin abnormalities, and palpation for
fibrous plaques. Testicular size and consistency are The Rigiscan device assesses nocturnal penile tumescence
assessed. Digital rectal examination is certainly advisable and rigidity in a quiet setting (usually home) that respects
in patients >45 yr of age [42] (>50 yr according to the the privacy of the patient. At least two consecutive nights of
European Association of Urology [EAU] guidelines [3]) and recording are necessary to evaluate nocturnal penile
in men who might be possible candidates for testosterone tumescence and rigidity [44]. Nocturnal penile tumescence
replacement therapy [3,42]. and rigidity with at least one erectile episode of tip penile
A general examination ideally should include evaluation rigidity >60% and 10 min in duration may be associated
of male secondary sex characteristics, gynaecomastia, with normal erectile function [3,44].
pulses, peripheral sensations, and scars from previous
surgeries or trauma. Blood pressure and heart rate should be 3.2. Intracavernous injection test
measured, especially if they have not been assessed
thoroughly in the previous 36 mo [3]. Waist circumference Preliminary clinical evaluation is achieved by the intraca-
measurement is helpful in counselling the patient about the vernosal injection (ICI) of a low-dose vasoactive agent
risks related to obesity and the possibility of metabolic (usually 215 mg of prostaglandin E [PGE]-1 or a bi/tri-mix
syndrome [15,20]. Particular attention must be paid to in an office setting [45]). According to the EAU guidelines on
patients with either known or suspected CVD [3,11,42]. male sexual dysfunction, the ICI test provides only limited
information about vascular status in men with ED [3,46,47].
2.4. Laboratory assessment The test is considered inconclusive as a diagnostic proce-
dure, and colour duplex Doppler ultrasound (CDDU) of the
The EAU guidelines on male sexual dysfunction suggest penile arteries should be requested [2].
tailoring laboratory testing to the patients complaints and
risk factors. According to the recommendations of the ICSM 3.3. Dynamic duplex ultrasound penile blood flow evaluation
for the clinical evaluation of men and women with sexual
dysfunction, it is once again highly recommended but not In-office evaluation of ED by CDDU may benefit the choice
always necessary (grade C) [41]. Recommended laboratory of the most appropriate therapy [3,45]. As per the mandate
tests for men with ED typically include a fasting glucose of the International Society for Sexual Medicine, established
[3,16,17] and lipids profile [3,15], if not assessed in the standardised operating procedures for CDDU were recently
previous 12 mo [3]. Hormonal tests must include a morning published [45]. CDDU is usually a dynamic test requiring
10 EUROPEAN UROLOGY SUPPLEMENTS 12 (2013) 712

intracavernosal injection of a vasoactive agent performed establish an organic aetiology for ED [45]. In this context,
by an experienced sonographer in a physicians office or by a DICC is not routinely used; it should be performed only in
radiologist in a hospital setting. CDDU helps reveal some patients failing to respond to oral/local therapy and in
aspects of the physiology of penile erection, evaluation, possible candidates for vascular reconstructive surgery [3].
causes of variability, and interpretation.
Because of the influence of psychological and environ- 3.5. Internal pudendal arteriography
mental factors on erectile function, CDDU needs to be
performed in a dimly lit quiet room, preferably in the Arteriography is the most invasive diagnostic test for
presence of only the trained operator and an assistant if vasculogenic ED. It should be considered only in highly
needed. A high-resolution solid-state linear array ultra- selected cases of young men with decreased cavernosal
sound transducer (with a frequency of 7.512 mHz) arterial inflow by CDDU and a history of pelvic or perineal
specifically for examining small body parts is required. trauma [3,45]. In men with ED, arteriography may highlight
Using a 27- to 30-gauge half-inch needle, an ICI of a single or a discrete focus of arterial occlusion that could be corrected
a combination of vasoactive agents (eg, PGE-1, phentol- with microvascular surgery; this diagnostic procedure is
amine, and papaverine, with or without subsequent not indicated when operative revascularisation is not an
redosing) is performed. An audiovisual setup for visual option. Conversely, pudendal angiography, in conjunction
sexual stimulation may be especially helpful when the with microembolisation, is first-line therapy for high-flow/
patient is anxious about his medical condition/situation traumatic priapism [50].
[45]. Using a PDE5-I, given approximately 1 h prior to
beginning the examination, is considered a valuable option, 4. Conclusions
particularly for a younger patient; however, normative
values using this form of erectogenic stimulation are not yet Because ED has progressively emerged as an important
available [45]. sentinel marker of cardiovascular and overall health among
The ultrasound procedure initially involves scanning the men, a timely and accurate diagnosis of men presenting
entire penis (longitudinal and cross-sectional views) to with erectile function impairment may represent a signifi-
observe cavernosal homogeneity, presence of plaques, cant opportunity not only to diagnose the dysfunction per
fibrosis, echogenicity, or calcification. The inner diameter se, but also to identify comorbid and potentially life-
of the intracavernosal arteries (both left and right) and threatening conditions. Most patients with ED can be
occasionally the peak systolic velocities (PSVs) in both adequately managed with a basic diagnostic work-up that
arteries are then measured using the Doppler blood flow includes a comprehensive medical and sexual history, along
mode. with a physical examination and some laboratory tests.
PSVs are considered effective parameters to evaluate Only selected patients may also need specific diagnostic
arterial competence; a PSV 30 cm/s indicates definite tests.
arterial flow after adequate pharmacologic stimulation,
whereas a PSV <25 cm/s is diagnostic of arterial insuffi-
Conflicts of interest
ciency as the cause of ED [45,48]. Conversely, the end
diastolic velocity (EDV) and the corresponding semiquan-
The author has nothing to disclose.
titative measurement of the resistive index (RI) may be
informative about penile veno-occlusion normalcy. In
association with a normal arterial response, an EDV Funding support
>6 cm/s and RI <0.6 indicates a venous leak is present
[45,49]. Using the mean data from multiple evaluations of None.
PSV and EDV, RI measurements, the peak tumescence and
rigidity response, and based on the clinical history and
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