Quantitative evaluation of the penile vascular status by means of the 99mTc-penogram in conjunction with either papaverine or prostaglandin E1 in the anaesthetised baboon model.

Abstract

The evaluation of both the arterial blood supply and the venous drainage of the penis is essential in the assessment of the impotent male. The vasoactive drugs papaverine and prostaglandin E1, as intracavernous injections, cause penile erections by influencing arterial blood supply and venous drainage. These drugs were used in a baboon model together with a 99mTc-penogram to provide information on the vascular status of the penis. An increase in penile blood pool was observed, more dramatic and rapid after administration of papaverine. A quantitative assessment of the vascular status seems possible and will next be monitored in a vascular-compromised baboon for purposes of clinical application.