[Evaluation of electromyography of the corpora cavernosa (single potential analysis of cavernous electric activity--SPACE) as a technique for studying impotence].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the utility of data obtained by single potential analysis of cavernous electric activity (SPACE) in the study of impotence.


METHODS
127 patients with impotence were evaluated by neuroandrologic profile, SPACE, erection test post intracavernous injection of papaverine-phentolamine and a cystometrogram (CMG).


RESULTS
The quantitative characteristics (duration, amplitude, number of phases) of the SPACE potentials were not useful in distinguishing between the different types of impotence. The qualitative characteristics (degree of activity, morphology, synchrony and coordination) during erection were significantly different between the non-neurogenic and neurogenic impotence. Significant differences were found in the qualitative characteristics (synchrony and coordination during erection) between patients with no demonstration of organic impotence and those with a negative erection test and no alterations in the neuroandrologic profile (vascular impotence). No relationship was found between the degree of activity of the SPACE and the presence or absence of voiding reflex in the CMG.


CONCLUSIONS
SPACE is a useful technique in the study of impotence, although the interpretation of the data are more qualitative than quantitative. The CMG provides complementary data and should therefore continue to be included in the study of the neuroandrologic profile in impotence.
Salinas Casado
J
J
Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.
Vírseda Chamorro
M
M
Samblas García
R
R
Esteban Fuertes
M
M
Aristizábal Agudelo
J M
JM
Blázquez Izquierdo
J
J
Delgado Martín
J A
JA
Resel Estévez
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010208:Papaverine / Q000494:pharmacology; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation*; D010646:Phentolamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D010208:Papaverine; D010646:Phentolamine