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Medical Tests A-Z

Plethysmography

Definition

Plethysmography measures changes in volume in different parts of the body. The test may be done to check for blood clots in the arms and legs. It is also done to measure how much air you can hold in your lungs.

Penile pulse volume recording is a type of this test. It is done on the penis to check for causes of erectile dysfunction.

Most commonly, this test is performed to check blood flow in the arteries of the legs. This is done in people with conditions like hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis causes pain during exercise or poor healing of leg wounds.

Related tests include:

  • Vascular ultrasound
  • Ankle brachial indices

Alternative Names

Respiratory inductance plethysmography; Penile pulse volume recording; Pulse volume recordings; Segmental pulse volume recordings

References

Burnett AL, Ramasamy R. Evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 69.

Lohr J, Zarkowsky DS. Vascular laboratory: venous physiologic assessment. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 24.

Recht MH, Muck PE. Vascular laboratory: arterial physiologic assessment. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 21.

Review Date: 05/07/2022

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Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Health. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.

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