Which statement best describes the penile/brachial index used in this evaluation?

• A. An index comparing penile to brachial arterial pressures
• B. A measure of ankle to brachial pressures
• C. A measure of carotid to brachial pressures
• D. A measure of venous outflow only

Answer: (A)

The penile/brachial index is used to assess arterial inflow to the penis by comparing penile systolic pressure to the brachial systolic pressure. This ratio, formed from pressures measured in the penis and in the arm, is the penile counterpart to the ankle–brachial index and helps determine whether penile arterial inflow is adequate. A normal value is around 1.0, indicating similar pressures in the penis and arm, while lower values suggest arterial insufficiency contributing to erectile dysfunction. It is not about venous outflow, nor does it involve carotid or ankle measurements in this context.