Is there a relation between priapism occurring after penile doppler ultrasonography and international erectile function index score and erection hardness score levels?

Objective: The relation between Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and The International Erectile Function Index (IIEF) Questionnaire- Erectile Function Domain Score (IIEF-EF score) used in erectile dysfunction (ED) evaluation and the prevalence of priapism after penile Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) was examined in this study.

Material and methods: A total of 62 patients who had PDU were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; there were 33 patients in IIEF-EF score ≤10, EHS <2 group (Group 1) and 29 patients in IIEF-EF score >10, EHS ≥2 group (Group 2). The two groups separated according to their scores were compared for age, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of priapism, vascular comorbidities and duration of erection.

Results: When compared to Group 2, median age, rate of vascular comorbidities rate and BMI were detected to be higher in Group 1 with IIEF-EF score ≤10 and EHS <2. But contrary to age and rate of vascular comorbidities (p=0.035, p=0.049 respectively), higher BMI was detected to be statistically insignificant (p=0.093). Duration of erection, IIEF-EF score and number of cases with priapism were significantly higher in Group 2 with IIEF-EF score >10 and EHS ≥2 (p<0.001, p=0.027, p=0.049 respectively).

Conclusion: High IIEF-EF and EHS scores, younger ages and lower rates of vascular comorbidities in patients from whom PDU was demanded increase the prevalence of priapism.