Priapism as the first manifestation in chronic myeloid leukemia: A case report and focused review of literature

The value of leukapheresis for treatment of priapism as presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia-Case report and review of literature

Priapism is a rare presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in male patients. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and to prevent erectile dysfunction. Several treatment modalities exist, however no standard treatment is recommended. We evaluated literature concerning different treatment approaches and evaluate the value of leukapheresis in treatment of priapism. The literature search resulted in 57 included articles, consisting of 53 studied patients. Patients had a mean age of 25.3 years, average time from onset to presentation at the hospital was 2 days, and mean white blood cell (WBC) count was 344 × 109/L. Most patients (67.9%) were treated with a combined approach (different modalities were radiological, urological, and oncological treatment). Twelve patients, with a mean WBC count of 365 × 109/L, received leukapheresis. Only two of them reported erectile dysfunction after treatment. Priapism is an urological emergency requiring urgent multidisciplinary treatment. We highlight the importance of local urological therapy combined with systemic therapy for CML. Therapeutic leukapheresis should be applied when available and with no other contraindications.

An overview of emergency pharmacotherapy for priapism

INTRODUCTION

Priapism is a compartment syndrome, defined as an unwanted penile erection lasting longer than four hours, unrelated to sexual stimulation, and persistent even after ejaculation/orgasm. Ischemic priapism is considered a urologic emergency requiring time-sensitive management. Studies have documented that untreated priapism is associated with progressive ischemic histological changes in the corpora cavernosa, such as widespread smooth muscle necrosis, blood vessel and nerve attrition, and trabecular fibrosis. Treatment options include conservative management, corporal irrigation, pharmacologic therapy, and surgery. We herein provide an overview of the emergency pharmacology for priapism.

AREAS COVERED

The American Urological Association (AUA) and the European Association of Urology (EAU) both recommend penile aspiration in conjunction with intracavernosal injection of sympathomimetics as the initial management of ischemic priapism. We have performed a retrospective review of the literature from 1914 to 2022 by using PubMed and a review of the treatment guidelines from the AUA and the EAU to discuss the various therapies for ischemic priapism in the emergent setting.

EXPERT OPINION

After a thorough overview of the literature regarding the treatment of ischemic priapism in the emergent setting, we conclude that intracavernosal phenylephrine is superior to other agents due to its demonstrated efficacy and limited systemic side effects.