Diagnostic Values of SPACE Test in Corpus Cavernous Smooth Muscle

Kim, Choon Gon; Jung, Gyung Woo; Yoon, Jin Han

Abstract

Purpose: The ideal neurourophysiologic investigatory technique would objectively and quantitatively evaluate functional status of all parts of the neurologic network involved in obtaining and maintaining penile erection. We assessed electrical activity of the corpus cavernous smooth muscle in normal and neurogenic erectile dysfunction men using SPACE. Material and Methods: A total of 39 normal subjects and 40 neurogenic erectile dysfunction patients underwent single potential analysis of cavernous electricity(SPACE) with a 2-channel EMG amplifier and surface electrodes. The electrical potentials were processed with the cut off frequencies at 0.3 - 32 Hz, a paper speed of 0.5cm/sec, and a range of amplitude of 0.5mV. Results: In 35 of 39 normal subjects(89.7%) and 5 of 10 incomplete suprasacral spinal cord injury patients, similar single potentials of uniform shape were recorded. In patients with peripheral autonomic denervation, irregular shape potentials with higher frequency and lower amplitude were found. In 3 of 5 patients with long standing diabetes(over 15 years), SPACE shows electrical silence. Conclusion: These results suggest that SPACE test is a useful noninvasive and reproducible method for evaluating cavernous innervation in erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, the single potential means intact cavernous innervation.