Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP84-15
Sources of Funding: none

Introduction

Penile erection hardness (EH), according to the Erectile Hardness Grading Scale (EHS), is an important indicator for evaluating penile erectile function. In this study, we provided a new method of real-time quantitative measurement of penile EH for erectile dysfunction (ED) patients using ultrasonic shear wave elastography (SWE).

Methods

Sixty ED patients diagnosed using the IIEF-5 questionnaire and the presence of nocturnal penile tumescence underwent real-time SWE to measure Young's modulus of the penile corpus cavernosum and albuginea while resting and at various grades of EH. Prostaglandin injection into the corpus cavernosum was used to induce penile erection.

Results

Young's modulus for the corpus cavernosum (resting) and EH grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 were, ?12.16±1.97?kPa,(10.97±1.98)kPa?(9.06±1.71)kPa?(9.38±1.68)kPa?(9.36±1.34)kPa respectively; Corresponding Young's modulus values for the albuginea (resting) and EH grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 were?21.97±4.68?kPa??32.71±3.71?kPa??54.12±10.09?kPa ??127.81±18.10?kPa ??223.99±26.73?kPa respectively. These Young's modulus values were grouped respectively to draw the receiver operating characteristics curve. The area under the albuginea curve was significantly better than that of the cavernosum (?2 = 61.10). Cutoff point of albuginea at grade 3 hardness was 81.60kPa.

Conclusions

Quantitatively measuring Young's modulus of penile albuginea using SWE is a novel, noninvasive, objective technique for quantitatively assessing the EH of ED patients. We proved that albuginea hardness, not cavernous tissue hardness, was a good clinical imaging index for penile EH evaluating.

Funding

none