[Neurobiology of erectile dysfunction in multiple sclerosis].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the neurological alterations responsible for impotence in multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
We conducted a pharmacologic erection test and a neuroandrologic profile study in 11 patients with multiple sclerosis and impotence. This study consisted in: bulbocavernosus EMG, S2-S4 evoked potentials, somatosensory potentials of pudendal nerve, electromyography of cavernous smooth muscle (SPACE), sympathetic skin response (SSR) and cystometry.


RESULTS
The most frequent neurological lesion was complete suprasacral (7 cases; 64%) and parasympathetic (7 cases; 64%) lesions. The parasympathetic lesions were of the upper motor neuron type in 6 of the 7 cases (86%). Peripheral autonomic [sympathetic in 2 cases (18%); parasympathetic in 1 case (9%)] and pudendal lesions (3 cases; 27%) were also observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The main cause of impotence in multiple sclerosis could be ascribed to a suprasacral lesion. Some cases also present peripheral autonomic lesions.
Salinas Casado
J
J
Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.
Vírseda Chamorro
M
M
Samblás García
R
R
Esteban Fuertes
M
M
Aristizábal Agudelo
J M
JM
Delgado Martín
J A
JA
Blázquez Izquierdo
J
J
Resel Estévez
L
L
D000328:Adult; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System
Neurobiología de la disfunción eréctil en la esclerosis múltiple.