CORPOREAL VENOOCCLUSIVE DYSFUNCTION - PREDOMINANTLY INTRACAVERNOUS MUSCULAR PATHOLOGY

Purpose: We investigated whether a relationship exists between the flo w to maintain an erection obtained at cavernosometry and the alteratio n of intracavernous structures in impotent patients with corporeal ven o-occlusive dysfunction and normal arterial inflow. Materials and Meth ods: Computerized histomorphometric analysis of smooth muscle and elas tic fibers, and endothelial cells was compared to the flow necessary t o maintain erection after intracavernous vasoactive drug injection in 18 patients with corporeal veno-occlusive dysfunction. Results: A sign ificant correlation between percentage of smooth muscle fibers and flo w to maintain erection was observed, while no correlation was noted wi th elastic fibers and endothelial cells. Conclusions: Corporeal veno-o cclusive dysfunction seems to be due mainly to smooth muscular alterat ions. According to this observation treatment of impotent patients wit h this abnormality should not be restricted to the penile veins but sh ould also include the intracavernous structures, predominantly the mus cular component.