The aim of this report is to analyze the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and the usefulness of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) on the investigation of ED in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Fifteen male SSc patients were asked about the presence of ED symptoms and were submitted to the IIEF questionnaire, after obtaining informed consent. Their medical data were reviewed in the search of other possible causes of ED. The studied patients were predominantly Caucasian and had diffuse SSc. ED was referred by 67% of them, and it was first noted after an average of 29 months of SSc onset; four patients referred concomitant onset of ED and SSc. All men with ED detected by IIEF questionnaire also reported ED when directly asked, and all men who affirmed having ED were also identified by IIEF. There were no clear association between ED and extent of cutaneous involvement, visceral involvement, drugs, total skin score and disease duration. Five patients with ED also had other causes of impotence. ED affects a high percentage of male SSc patients, and the IIEF may be a valid instrument in its evaluation. The high incidence of ED in young SSc patients and the occasional concomitance of the onset of SSc and ED warrants further evaluation of a causal association.
systemic sclerosis; erectile dysfunction; International Index of Erectile Function
