Efficacy of penile low-intensity shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction:correlation with the severity of cavernous artery disease

We analyzed the efficacy of penile low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction(ED)combined with cavernous artery disease(CAD).ED was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function,subdividing patients into mild and moderate/severe forms.CAD was assessed using penile color Doppler ultrasonography.Patients(n=111)with a positive outcome after treatment,based upon the minimal clinically important difference of the International Index of ED,were followed up for 3 months and 6 months.We found a significant mean increase in the index of erectile function,with an overall improvement in hemodynamic parameters of the cavernous artery.In particular,93.9%of the patients with mild ED without CAD responded to treatment and 72.7%resumed normal erectile function.Only 31.2%of the patients with moderate/severe ED and CAD responded to treatment,and none resumed normal erectile function.All patients with mild ED and no CAD maintained the effects of therapy after 3 months,while no patients with moderate/severe ED and CAD maintained the benefits of treatment after 3 months.Thus,patients with mild ED and no CAD have better and longer lasting responses to such treatment,with a higher probability of resuming normal erectile function than patients with moderate/severe ED and CAD.