Role of RigiScan in the etiologic differential diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective study was to assess the reliability of nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring by an ambulatory RigiScan device in the etiological diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.


METHODS
A total of 64 randomized patients with a complaint of impotence for at least 6 months initially underwent nocturnal penile tumescence rigidity (NPTR) monitoring on 2 consecutive nights in a private setting as session 1. All subjects then underwent a comprehensive multidisciplinary diagnostic approach including dynamic color Doppler sonography and pharmaco-cavernosometry as a second session in a blind fashion. The results of both sessions were compared with each other.


RESULTS
Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy rate of NPTR monitoring in discriminating organic from psychogenic impotence with respect to a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach using sophisticated techniques were as 80.9, 81.8, 89.4 and 81.2%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Although RigiScan differentiates organic from psychogenic impotence with a relatively high sensitivity, a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach is mandatory in establishing the ultimate diagnosis.
Karadeniz
T
T
Department of Second Urology, Okmeydani Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Topsakal
M
M
Aydogmus
A
A
Beksan
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D018783:Impotence, Vasculogenic / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color