Significant parameters of the bulbocavernosus reflex latency testing for the diagnosis of neurogenic impotence

Seok, Bong Cheol; Jo, Cheol Kyu; Suh, Jun Kyu; Kim, Young Soo; Park, Tong Choon

Abstract

Measurement of the bulbocavernosus reflex is widely used to diagnose underlying neurologic disorders in erectile dysfunction. Because this single parameter of latency time in BCRL(bulbocavernosus reflex latency) testing has been used as the sole guideline to diagnose neurogenic impotence, problems in discriminating neurological disturbance from nonneurogenic impotence are frequently encountered especially when the value of latency time is within the borderline range, or when the outcome is difficult to interpret. In order to assess the useful parameters of conventional BCRL testing for the differential diagnosis of neurogenic impotence, we performed BCRL testing in 100 patients who compliance of poor erection. We compared these patients with a previously controlled group of 45 adult males without any erectile or neuronal disturbance. The results obtained were summarized as follows. . 1)Of 100 patients, 24 were diagnosed as neurogenic impotence. 2) In this neurogenic impotence group, as compared to the normal and non-neurogenic impotence group, there was a significant difference(P<0.05) in the values of sensory, pain, reflex threshold and bulbocavernosus reflex latency time. 3) The BCR measurement allowed to find lateralized neurologic disturbance. These results show that in BCRL testing the evaluated values of sensory, pain and reflex threshold, in addition to latency time, can be useful parameters for the differential diagnosis of neurogenic impotence.