ULTRASOUND EVALUATION OF THE PENIS FOR ASSESSMENT OF IMPOTENCE

Image directed Doppler ultrasonography of the cavernous arteries provi des functional, quantifiable assessment of penile arterial flow during a pharmacological erection. In this respect, this modality is superio r to arteriography as a means of evaluating arteriogenic impotence. Pe ak flow velocity, arterial dilatation, and vessel pulsation are the mo st reliable ultrasonic indicators of arterial health. Aberrant arteria l anatomy should be noted as this may contribute significantly to tota l penile blood flow. A thorough understanding of erectile physiology a nd anatomy is necessary to properly perform and interpret Doppler ultr asound results. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.