Diagnostic Value of Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity Monitoring according to the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Yang, Won Jae; Lee, Woong Hee; Choi, Hyung Ki

Abstract

PURPOSE: We compared the outcome of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity(NPTR) monitoring by RigiScan(Dacomed Co., USA) with that of more invasive tests on patients with a complaint of erectile dysfunction, and analyzed the diagnostic value of NPTR monitoring according to the causes of erectile dysfunction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From May 1995 to May 1998, a total of 112 patients with a complaint of erectile dysfunction underwent NPTR monitoring by RigiScan over 3 consecutive nights and had the etiologic diagnosis through multidisciplinary diagnostic tests including duplex penile doppler ultrasonography, dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography, dorsal nerve somatosensory evoked potential test and bulbocavernous reflex latency test.
RESULTS
The rates of psychogenic and organic erectile dysfunction were 44.6% and 55.4%, respectively. The sensitivity of NPTR monitoring in differentiating organic from psychogenic erectile dysfunction was 67.7%. The types of NPTR monitoring were not consistent with the causes of erectile dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS
Although NPTR monitoring by RigiScan has been known as a useful test in differentiating organic from psychogenic erectile dysfunction, multidisciplinary diagnostic tests are mandatory for the etiologic diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.