Quantitative analysis of penile ultrasonographic shape during the erectilecycle: A new diagnostic tool for erectile dysfunction? Repeatability of the method and preliminary results

Penile modifications during erection interest not only penile length and ci rcumference, but also its size and shape, In this investigation, the size a nd shape repeatability of a single standardized ultrasonographic image of p enis during flaccidity and erection was quantified in a group of 19 patient s complaining of erectile dysfunction, The penis of each patient was placed in the dorsal position and scanned by a 10 MHz linear ultrasonographic pro be at the site of maximal corporeal size: (1) during flaccidity; (2) after an intracorporeal injection of 10 mu g alprostadil; and (3) after a genital stimulation. Each scan was repeated three times for each patient and print ed. On each print the outline of the tunica albuginea was drawn, digitized, and mathematically reconstructed by Fourier series that allow a separate q uantification of the size and shape differences. Reliability of the tunica albuginea outline and repeatability of probe positioning were separately as sessed within patient and functional phase, and found to be good, The actua l examinations of two impotence patients performed using the described meth od are also given, The shape of the corpora cavernosa may be potentially in dicative of the homogeneous function of the tunica albuginea, and it may be of use in patients' follow up.