Acitretin-associated erectile dysfunction: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Two cases of impotence following a treatment with etretinate have been reported in the literature. Acitretin is the principal active metabolite of etretinate. We report a case of erectile dysfunction associated with the use of acitretin. Case presentation: A 39-year-old Caucasian man referred his incapacity to reach and maintain a penile erection during a course of acitretin for the treatment of a severe form of psoriasis. Physical examination, laboratory findings and psychological analysis did not reveal any abnormalities. Two weeks after the withdrawal of acitretin, the patient reported a normalization of his sexual activity. Conclusion: Retinoids have been associated with male reproductive system dysfunctions in human and animal studies. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of acitretin-induced erectile dysfunction. © 2009 Rossi and Pellegrino; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.