Microcirculatory studies in erectile disorders

Local microcirculatory disturbances and fibrosis are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED). The assessment of these disturbances is not possible using non-invasive techniques such as laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) an measuring transcutaneous pO(2) and pCO(2). However, these techniques need standardisation (e.g. in terms of equipment, conditions in which the examination is carried out and duration of measurement). Nevertheless, these techniques have a qualitative value. Marked alterations are seen in smokers and hypertensive patients. LDF has also been used to monitor the effect of treatment (e.g. after intracavernosal PGE(1)).