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A 38-Year-Old Man with Systemic Sclerosis and Erectile Dysfunction

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Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis

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Abstract

Scleroderma occurs much more commonly in women than in men but the clinical features are similar. However, men with scleroderma have characteristic problems with sexual function. In particular, erectile dysfunction (ED) in scleroderma has been recognized for nearly 30 years and occurs in between 27% and 81% of men with scleroderma. Moreover, ED may be an early and often overriding symptom in men with scleroderma. ED in scleroderma likely results from the characteristic microvascular and fibrotic abnormalities of this disorder that are manifested in the penis. Careful evaluation of men with scleroderma and ED should include attention to occupational exposure, medications known to be associated with ED, symptoms of depression and assessment of comorbidities including smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease. Traditional vasodilators and on-demand phosphodiesterase inhibitors have not had proven benefit but may improve ED if administered at higher doses or at regular intervals. Urological evaluation is also important in the management of ED in male scleroderma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy St., 2 Dudley St., Providence, RI, 02905, USA

    Edward V. Lally

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  1. Edward V. Lally
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, 29403, USA

    Richard M. Silver

  2. Royal Free and University College, Medical School, University College London, Rowland Street, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom

    Christopher P. Denton

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Lally, E.V. (2011). A 38-Year-Old Man with Systemic Sclerosis and Erectile Dysfunction. In: Silver, R., Denton, C. (eds) Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-641-2_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-641-2_22

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-640-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-641-2

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