Infla10® Pulse™Also Known As
Intracavernosal Injection Test, Pharmacological Cavernosometry, FIC Test (Farmaco-Induced Cavernosal Test), Vasoactive Intracavernosal Injection Test, Penile Pharmacotesting, Intracavernosal Pharmacological Test, Alprostadil Test, Pharmaco-Erection Test
Definition
The Pharmacological Erection Test, also known as the Intracavernosal Injection Test or FIC (Farmaco-Induced Cavernosal) Test, is a diagnostic procedure that involves the intracavernosal administration of vasoactive drugs to induce an erection in the absence of erotic stimuli.1 This test evaluates erectile function by directly delivering medications such as alprostadil (prostaglandin E1), papaverine, or phentolamine into the corpus cavernosum of the penis.2 The resulting erection is then assessed for rigidity, duration, and overall quality to determine the vascular and neurological integrity of the erectile mechanism.3 A positive test is defined as a rigid erectile response (unable to bend the penis) that appears within 10 minutes after the intracavernosal injection and lasts for 30 minutes or longer.4 This diagnostic tool helps differentiate between organic and psychogenic causes of erectile dysfunction and can identify specific vascular abnormalities affecting penile blood flow.5
Clinical Context
The Pharmacological Erection Test is primarily used in the diagnostic evaluation of erectile dysfunction (ED) when the etiology remains unclear after initial assessment.1 This test is particularly valuable in distinguishing between psychogenic and organic causes of ED, as patients with purely psychogenic dysfunction typically demonstrate normal erectile responses to intracavernosal injections.2
The procedure is indicated in several clinical scenarios: when non-invasive tests yield inconclusive results; when vascular abnormalities are suspected; before surgical interventions for ED; and when evaluating the potential efficacy of intracavernosal injection therapy as a treatment option.3 The test can identify specific vascular pathologies, including arterial insufficiency, venous leakage (corpora-veno-occlusive dysfunction), or mixed vascular disorders.4
Patient selection criteria include men with persistent erectile dysfunction who have not responded to first-line oral therapies, those with suspected vascular abnormalities, and patients considering surgical interventions such as penile implants or vascular reconstruction.5 The test is contraindicated in patients with penile deformities, active priapism, sickle cell anemia, or hypersensitivity to the test medications.6
The procedure involves cleaning the injection site with an antiseptic solution, administering a predetermined dose of vasoactive medication (commonly alprostadil) into the lateral aspect of the penis, and monitoring the resulting erection.7 The quality of the erection is assessed based on rigidity, tumescence, and duration. A complete rigid erection suggests normal vascular function, while partial or absent responses may indicate arterial insufficiency or venous leakage.8
Expected outcomes include diagnostic clarification of ED etiology, guidance for subsequent treatment approaches, and assessment of potential response to intracavernosal injection therapy.9 Complications are rare but may include prolonged erection (priapism), penile pain, bruising, or, rarely, fibrosis at the injection site.10