The correlation among cavernous pressure, penile rigidity and resistance index.
OBJECTIVE
We define the precise meaning and diagnostic significance of the resistance index generated by duplex scanning.


METHODS
In 80 patients penile rigidity was clinically evaluated and a penile duplex scan was performed after intracavernous injection of 10 microg. prostaglandin E1. The intracavernous equilibrium pressure was measured in 34 of these patients.


RESULTS
We found a statistically highly significant linear relationship among cavernous pressure, resistance index and penile rigidity (p <0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The resistance index and clinical degree of penile rigidity are 2 expressions of intracavernous pressure. Clinical observation of erection is equivalent to the resistance index in screening for cavernous leakage.
de Meyer
J M
JM
Department of Urology, City Hospital De Bijloke, Ghent, Belgium.
Thibo
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex