Pharmacocavernometry with prostaglandin E1.

The aim of this study was to define the normal response of cavernometry parameters with high-dose pharmacostimulation, to investigate repeatability of the method and to find out the incidence of cavernovenous leakage in impotence. 82 consecutive impotent patients and 10 potent control subjects underwent pharmacocavernometry with 40 micrograms of prostaglandin E1. In control subjects, the maintenance flow at 150 mm Hg (MF150) was 3-22 ml/min with an average of 6 ml/min (SD = 6 ml/min). Cavernometry was repeated in 17 patients, but the repeatability of quantitative parameters was disappointing. Cavernovenous leakage was estimated to be present in 55-67% of all impotent patients. Cavernometry with a high-dose prostaglandin E1 pharmacostimulation is a useful method in selected patients, but the consistency of the method should be improved.