How I manage priapism in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients

Cases of Patients Treated in Countries With Limited Resources and Discussed by Experts of the International CML Foundation (iCMLf)-Case No. 1: A Boy Presenting With Priapism and Loss of Vision

Pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (pCML) is a rare malignancy accounting for only 2%-3% of all childhood leukemias. Due to this rarity, familiarity with pCML is limited among most pediatric practitioners, including even pediatric hemato-oncologists. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), limited financial resources and limited data specific to pCML represent obstacles that healthcare providers must face in diagnosing and treating this rare condition in children. The International CML Foundation (iCMLf) is improving outcomes for people with CML in these countries where resources, diagnostics, and access to medicines may be limited (https://www.cml-foundation.org/lmic-programs.html). Virtual meetings with the purpose of teaching participating pediatricians from LMICs of defined geographical regions were organised by the iCMLf in 2023. At a virtual meeting of the South Asia region, the case of a 14-year-old Indian boy was presented diagnosed with CML in a chronic phase complicated by priapism and loss of vision in his left eye due to hyperleukocytosis. Key aspects of this case are discussed in-depth from the perspective of (i) a pediatric hemato-oncologist practicing in a high-income country, (ii) a pediatric hemato-oncologist practicing in a LMIC, (iii) an adult CML hematologist, and (iv) from the iCMLf in improving the care of children with CML worldwide. Thus by discussing a multifaceted complicated case of pCML in written form as well as pointing to the pediatric module of the iCMLf Knowledge Centre will hopefully contribute to minimize existing knowledge gaps in a rare pediatric malignancy.

Priapism as an initial manifestation in an adult patient with chronic myeloid leukemia in Japan: case report and review of the literature

We report the first documented Japanese case in the English literature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in which priapism was the presenting symptom. Priapism, a rare manifestation in CML patients, is particularly uncommon in Japan. This can be attributed to the high quality of medical services and proactive health strategies implemented by the Japanese government. These strategies include recommending regular blood tests for company employees aged 35 and above, thereby facilitating early detection of CML. Hence, it is crucial to consider CML when examining any patient presenting with priapism, particularly among those who have not undergone regular medical check-ups.

Therapeutic Leukocytapheresis to relieve priapism due to leukostasis in CML patients: Our experience in a tertiary care centre

Hyperleukocytosis in leukemic patients may cause tumour lysis syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and leukostasis, resulting in decreased tissue perfusion and increasing the risk of mortality. Since the myeloid blasts are larger than lymphoid blasts and are less deformable, complications of leukostasis are seen more frequently in myeloid leukemia. Priapism is a less common complication associated with leukostasis in leukaemia patients that should be treated as soon as possible to avoid ischemic injuries. Although chemotherapeutic drugs such as hydroxyurea and imatinib are used to treat hyperleukocytosis in CML patients, leukocytapheresis (LCP) can achieve rapid cytoreduction. Prophylactic LCP could not offer any advantage over aggressive chemotherapy, but therapeutic leukocyte depletion has a proven role in patients having symptomatic leukostasis due to high tumour burden. Three patients with ischaemic priapism were reported at our institute's emergency department, where detumescence could not be achieved by distal shunting or aspiration with phenylephrine instillation. The procedure of therapeutic LCP was performed in all three patients on an emergency basis, which resolved painful priapism by rapid cytoreduction.

Priapism at Diagnosis of Pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Data Derived from a Large Cohort of Children and Teenagers and a Narrative Review on Priapism Management

Pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a very rare malignancy (age-related incidence 0.1/100,000) typically presenting with leucocyte counts >100,000/µL. However, clinical signs of leukostasis are observed at diagnosis in only approximately 10% of all cases and among these, priapism is infrequent. Here, we analyze data from pediatric CML registries on the occurrence of priapism heralding diagnosis of CML in 16/491 (3.2%) boys (median age 13.5 years, range 4-18) with pediatric CML. In the cohort investigated, duration of priapism resulting in a diagnosis of CML was not reported in 5 patients, and in the remaining 11 patients, occurred as stuttering priapism over 3 months (n = 1), over 6 weeks (n = 1), over 1-2 weeks (n = 2), over several days (n = 2), or 24 h (n = 1), while the remaining 4 boys reported continuous erection lasting over 11-12 h. All patients exhibited splenomegaly and massive leukocytosis (median WBC 470,000/µL, range 236,700-899,000). Interventions to treat priapism were unknown in 5 patients, and in the remaining cohort, comprised intravenous fluids ± heparin (n = 2), penile puncture (n = 5) ± injection of sympathomimetics (n = 4) ± intracavernous shunt operation (n = 1) paralleled by leukocyte-reductive measures. Management without penile puncture by leukapheresis or exchange transfusion was performed in 3 boys. In total, 7 out 15 (47%) long-term survivors (median age 20 years, range 19-25) responded to a questionnaire. All had maintained full erectile function; however, 5/7 had presented with stuttering priapism while in the remaining 2 patients priapism had lasted <12 h until intervention. At its extreme, low-flow priapism lasting for longer than 24 h may result in partial or total impotence by erectile dysfunction. This physical disability can exert a large psychological impact on patients' lives. In a narrative review fashion, we analyzed the literature on priapism in boys with CML which is by categorization stuttering or persisting as mostly painful, ischemic (low-flow) priapism. Details on the pathophysiology are discussed on the background of the different blood rheology of hyperleukocytosis in acute and chronic leukemias. In addition to the data collected, instructive case vignettes demonstrate the diagnostic and treatment approaches and the outcome of boys presenting with priapism. An algorithm for management of priapism in a stepwise fashion is presented. All approaches must be performed in parallel with cytoreductive treatment of leukostasis in CML which comprises leukapheresis and exchange transfusions ± cytotoxic chemotherapy.

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.

Case Report: Priapism as The Clinical Presenting Feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Case Report and 20-Year Literature Review

Priapism in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) appears to be an infrequent manifestation as well as a crucial emergency. Here, we report an 18-year-old male presenting with a persistent erection of the penis for 20 days. We evaluated and compared the reported cases within 20 years discussing the management of priapism in CML. Cytoreductive therapy followed by leukapheresis, the administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and intra-cavernosal blood aspiration may resolve the symptoms of priapism. Early intervention for cytoreduction and aspiration are the pivotal keys to successfully impeding the complications.

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

We report the case of a patient who was initially presented with ischemic priapism to the emergency department. He was treated with adrenaline intracavernous injections and aspiration with irrigation of the corpora cavernosa and distal shunt. In the postoperative period, anemia, basophilia, eosinophilia, thrombocytosis and hyperleukocytosis were detected. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Priapism is a rare manifestation of chronic myeloid leukemia (≤ 3%) and occurs mostly due to hyperleukocytosis, resulting in thrombus formation and corporal venous outflow obstruction. Priapism occurring in any setting is considered as a medical emergency that requires immediate local therapy because of resulting irreversible cell damage and fibrosis if not treated within the first 24-48 h.

Stuttering Priapism in a Teenage Boy: Lesson to be Learnt

Untreated priapism can lead to ischemic damage of the penis and impotence. This case report describes a 14-year-old boy who presented with a history of priapism for 2 months, which was undiagnosed, ridiculed, and ignored even by medical practitioners. The underlying etiology was later identified to be chronic myeloid leukemia. Despite the usage of multimodal treatment, it took 7 days for control of priapism. The young boy is now left with an erectile dysfunction. The case highlights that priapism in children is a medical emergency needing aggressive evaluation and treatment.

Priapism in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A Systematic Review

Background:

Priapism is defined as a penile erection that persists four or more hours and is unrelated to sexual stimulation. Priapism resulting from hematologic malignancy is most likely caused by venous obstruction from microemboli/thrombi and hyperviscosity caused by the increased number of circulating leukocytes in mature and immature forms. In patients with leukemia, 50% of cases of priapism are due to Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). We present a systematic review of priapism in CML.

Acquisition of evidence:

An extensive literature research was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and Science Citation Index databases. The search included cases up to 4^th August 2020.

Synthesis of evidence:

A total of 68 articles were found and included in our review, including 3 reviews from three different centers. We found 68 articles (102 patients; figure 1) and several case reports on priapism in CML. Priapism was noticed in some patients at the first presentation of CML. However, it was infrequently reported during the start of treatment, following the stop of medication and post-splenectomy. The mean age at presentation was 27.4 years, and the mean time from onset of priapism to the time to get medical attention (presentation) was 78.2 hours. The mean white blood cell count associated with priapism was 321.29x10⁹/L, and the mean platelet count was 569 x10 ⁹/L. The chronic phase of CML was the most common phase where priapism occurred. Most patients were Asian (>50%). Nearly a quarter of patients (27.4%) developed permanent erectile dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Priapism is a urological emergency requiring urgent multidisciplinary management to prevent erectile dysfunction. Because of the relatively rare occurrence of priapism in CML patients, there is no standard treatment protocol. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Definition, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Essential Criteria for Diagnosis of Pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Simple Summary

The low incidence (1:1,000,000) of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the first two decades of life presents an obstacle to accumulation of pediatric experience and knowledge on this leukemia. Biological features of CML are shared but also differing between adult and pediatric patients. This review aims; (i) to define the disease based on an unified terminology, (ii) to list the diseases to be considered as a differential diagnosis in children, (iii) to outlines the morphological, histopathological and immuno-phenotypical findings of pediatric CML, (iv) to illustrate rare but classical complications resulting from high white cell and platelet counts at diagnosis, and (v) to recommend a uniform approach for the diagnostic procedures to be applied. Evidently, only a clear detailed picture of all relevant features can lay the basis for standardized treatment approaches.

Abstract

Depending on the analytical tool applied, the hallmarks of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are the Philadelphia Chromosome and the resulting mRNA fusion transcript BCR-ABL1. With an incidence of 1 per 1 million of children this malignancy is very rare in the first 20 years of life. This article aims to; (i) define the disease based on the WHO nomenclature, the appropriate ICD 11 code and to unify the terminology, (ii) delineate features of epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiology that are shared, but also differing between adult and pediatric patients with CML, (iii) give a short summary on the diseases to be considered as a differential diagnosis of pediatric CML, (iv) to describe the morphological, histopathological and immunophenotypical findings of CML in pediatric patients, (v) illustrate rare but classical complications resulting from rheological problems observed at diagnosis, (vi) list essential and desirable diagnostic criteria, which hopefully in the future will help to unify the attempts when approaching this rare pediatric malignancy.

Malignant Priapism - What Do We Know About It?

Malignancy as an etiological factor involved in priapism pathogenesis is rare. Malignant priapism (MP) can arise as a result of penile tumor invasion, either from primary penile tumors or from metastatic penile tumors, or due to hematological malignancies. Non-urological penile metastases are associated with significant worse prognosis compared to urological penile metastases, the appearance of priapism in such cases affecting even more the prognosis and the survival of these patients. Patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies and priapism present significant higher survival rates compared to those who develop MP in the context of a non-hematological malignancy, this being related to the fact that hematological malignancies are more sensitive to chemo- and radiotherapy. Most malignant priapism cases are ischemic; therefore the management should be based on the initial steps of the IP therapeutic protocol. Considering the trigger factor that has led to the priapic event specific oncologic treatment can be added as well.

Unusual Presentation of Priapism Associated with Acute and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Two Patients: Emergency Management

Priapism is a rare urological emergency. It is rarely a telltale sign of myeloid leukemia. We report two cases of acute myeloid leukemia in a child and chronic myeloid leukemia in a young adult presenting with priapism. Puncture irrigation of the corpora cavernosa followed by systemic treatment to lower the hyperviscosity of the blood due to leukemia provided optimal outcome. Prompt emergency management is required to lower the complication of erectile dysfunction.

Essential Thrombocythemia Presenting with Recurrent Priapism: A Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND Priapism is rarely reported as a complication in patients with essential thrombocythemia at presentation. We could find very few such cases of essential thrombocythemia while searching the literature. A combined modality of treatment is used in the form of chemotherapy and procedures like repeated aspiration and instillation of phenylephrine to treat essential thrombocythemia presenting with recurrent priapism. CASE REPORT A 31-year-old man presented to the Urology Department with priapism for the last 24 h. He had previously had multiple similar episodes in the last 20 days and 1 episode of prolonged penile erection 5 months ago. On examination, his penis was erect, swollen, and painful. There was no organomegaly. The priapism was managed with repeated aspiration and instillation of phenylephrine. Routine investigations showed marked thrombocytosis. Subsequent investigations done in the Clinical Hematology Department revealed increased megakaryocytes in bone marrow and presence of JAK2V617F mutation. After confirmation of diagnosis, cytoreductive therapy (hydroxyurea 500 mg twice a day) and acetyl salicylic acid 75 mg once a day was initiated. With this treatment, the platelet count normalized over a period of 2 months and no further episodes of priapism were noted; however, the patient developed erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Essential thrombocythemia can present with priapism as the first manifestation. Early suspicion, diagnosis, and management is needed to prevent erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is usually irreversible after long-standing priapism.

Malignancy: A Rare, Important and Poorly Understood Cause of Priapism

INTRODUCTION

Priapism is rare yet has the potential to inflict significant suffering on patients, often with lasting consequences such as erectile dysfunction, corporal muscle necrosis, and a loss of sexual function. Although rare, it is a pathology that has received little focus in the literature, particularly that caused by malignancy, and it is in this form that the long-term prognosis becomes particularly poor.

AIM

This review looks at malignant priapism in detail moving from the etiology and pathogenesis through investigations and management to provide an up-to-date picture.

METHODS

In so doing, more than 30 articles are reviewed and examined from databases such as PubMed. Significant cases are provided as examples to provide a comprehensive review of a topic that receives little attention but can cause significant patient morbidity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was the use of aspiration, sympathomimetics, and surgery as the main treatment modalities and how each one is used with regard to both the underlying etiology of the priapism and also the prognosis. We look at the need for treatment and how that relates to quality of life and erectile function thereafter.

RESULTS

Solid tumor invasion-both primary and secondary-and hematologic malignancies represent the key etiologies of malignant priapism and aggressive treatment is needed. Recovery of erectile function can occur if intracavernosal phenylephrine is quickly administered or distal shunts are placed; however, the prognosis is often poor, and subsequent chemotherapy treatment is often required.

CONCLUSION

The importance of a clear history and examination cannot be understated, and although the prognosis is often poor, this review hopes to give clinicians better understanding to be able to recognize malignancy as a potential cause of priapism. Ralph O, Shroff N, Johnson MJ, et al. Malignancy: A Rare, Important and Poorly Understood Cause of Priapism. J Sex Med 2021; 9:312-319.

Priapisme veineux aigu aux urgences : procédure fondée sur une revue systématique de la littérature

Le priapisme veineux aigu (PVA) est urgent en raison de séquelles érectiles éventuelles. Sa rareté et l’absence de procédure expliquent des traitements encore inégaux, peu normés.

Objectif : Optimiser la prise en charge initiale d’un PVA grâce à une procédure décisionnelle, adaptée aux urgentistes.

Matériel et méthode : Une revue systématique de la littérature recense les algorithmes schématisés ainsi que des articles de revue et mises au point récents. Les critères diagnostiques et thérapeutiques ont été analysés puis comparés pour vérifier s’ils répondaient aux besoins. La validation de cette procédure par des experts a été recherchée. Résultats : L’originalité de notre procédure réside dans sa cible (urgentistes), sa hiérarchisation, « Que faire ? Comment faire ? Quand faire ? Qui fait ? », de façon graduée et séquentielle via une chronologie détaillée, et une priorité donnée à la gazométrie caverneuse, fil conducteur de la prise en charge, facilement disponible. À cela s’ajoutent des tableaux, des check-lists (contexte étiologique et souffrance ischémique), des schémas descriptifs des traitements médicaux indiqués en première ligne (technique, matériel de ponction décompressive et d’injection intracaverneuse d’alpha-stimulant), critères de recours à l’urologue, suivi et hospitalisation. Cette procédure a été validée par le conseil scientifique du réseau nord-alpin des Urgences, le comité d’andrologie et médecine sexuelle de l’Association française d’urologie.

Conclusion : Facile à utiliser, cette procédure inédite répond à un réel besoin. Son appropriation et sa diffusion s’inscrivent dans une démarche qualité adaptée au parcours de soins du PVA en France afin de prévenir les séquelles érectiles de cette urgence affectant majoritairement des sujets jeunes.

Efficacy and Safety of Imatinib in Paediatric CML - A Single Centre Study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) rarely affects the paediatric population and has an incidence of 0.06-0.12/100,000 children per year. The dire clinical course of paediatric CML is further exacerbated by the adverse effects of long-term imatinib therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our cohort comprised 14 CML patients who were treated with imatinib between July 2010 and September 2018. The European Leukaemia Net (ELN) standard milestones of response criteria were used to evaluate its therapeutic effectiveness.

RESULTS

Complete haematological remission and partial cytogenetic response were achieved in all patients. Complete cytogenetic response was achieved in seven patients. Major molecular response was achieved in six patients. Two patients underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation due to unsatisfactory response to imatinib.

CONCLUSION

Imatinib is effective in treating paediatric CML and limits the progression to advanced stages, however, the quality of life still needs to be optimised.

Comparison of outcomes in malignant vs. non-malignant ischemic priapism: 12-year experience from a tertiary center

OBJECTIVE

Data on outcome of patients with ischemic priapism (IP) due to malignant causes are scant. In this study, we compared outcome of patients with malignant vs. non-malignant IP in adult North Indian men.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed medical records of patients with IP who presented to a large tertiary care referral center from August 2005 to July 2017.

RESULTS

Data of 71 patients were analyzed. The median age was 30 years (range 17-65). The average duration of symptoms was 4.39 days (range 1-10). Most common etiology was idiopathic in 29 (40.84%), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in 24 (33.80%), and drug-induced in 15 patients. Thirty-eight patients underwent distal shunts, while nine patients underwent proximal shunt procedure. Men with malignant priapism (CML) had significantly lower success rates with interventions, prolonged hospital stay, and higher complications (p<0.05). Most complications after shunt surgery were minor (Clavein grade 1 and 2). After shunt surgery, bleeding at shunt site was observed in 14 cases, and wound infection developed in five patients. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients at follow-up was high.

CONCLUSION

Men with malignant priapism (CML) had significantly lower success rates with interventions, prolonged hospital stay, and higher complications than men with non-malignant priapism.

Priapism secondary to chronic myeloid leukemia treated by a surgical cavernosa-corpus spongiosum shunt: Case report

Priapism secondary to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is rarely observed in the clinic. Here, we present an 18-year-old patient with priapism for over 72 h due to hyperleukocytosis. Emergent interventions such as therapeutic aspiration and intracorporal injection of phenylephrine failed before a surgical corpora cavernosa-corpus spongiosum shunt was inserted to relieve symptoms. During hospitalization, bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of CML.

Sickle cell disease: Classification of clinical complications and approaches to preventive and therapeutic management

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin structure that has no established cure in adult patients. Cure has been achieved in selected children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) using allogeneic bone marrow transplantation or cord blood transplantation. SCD is essentially a triumvirate of (1) pain syndromes, (2) anemia and its sequelae and (3) organ failure, including infection. Pain, however, is the hallmark of SCD and dominates its clinical picture throughout the life of the patients. The prevalence of these complications varies with age from infancy through adult life. However, pain, infections and anemia requiring blood transfusion occur throughout the life span of affected patients. The overall medical care of patients with SCD in developed countries has improved such that their life expectancy has almost doubled since 1951. Currently, there are at least five major approaches for the general management of SCD and its complications. These include (i) symptomatic management, (ii) supportive management, (iii) preventive management, (iv) abortive management, and (v) curative therapy.

Priapism as the initial sign in hematologic disease: Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Priapism is an uncommon sign and sometimes considered a diagnosis challenge into systemic disease; this is defined as ≥4 h continuous penile erection, without sexual stimulation. We state that this work has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria PRESENTATION OF CASE: A Mexican 52-year-old man was brought to the emergency room with priapism of six days of evolution. His medical history reported fatigue and waxy pallor had begun a month ago, the rest of interrogation was unremarked. Hyperleukocitosis (>250,000 cells/ml) was documented on his preoperative evaluation, the initial step was hematology consultation due to malignance suspicion, followed by corpora cavernosa drainage-irrigation and surgery penis shunts. After of procedure, we realized bone marrow aspiration, kariotype and cytogenetic analysis, histopathological and moleculars assay reported myeloid hyperplasia compatible with acute phase CML and Philadelphia translocation t(9:22) (q34;q11.2) with P210 BCR-ABL1 fusion transcriber, patient was discharged with dasatinib for maintenance phase. Actually, he has a satisfactory evolution without relapses.

DISCUSSION

The majority of reported cases shows the individual importance of hematological diseases in priapism as it is shown in the analysis of the literature of 10 years (2006-2016) that we made. It is imperative to consider the type of priapism, and the genetic and demographic patient aspects due to the early and correct approach improves the short and long term outcome of the hematological patients.

CONCLUSION

Priapism is an uncommon sign of systemic disease. In the presence of warning signs, malignancy should be considered until proven otherwise.

The Effect of Targeted Therapy for Genitourinary Malignancies on Sexual Function and Fertility

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Targeted therapy for genitourinary cancer is being used at an increasing rate. These medications show great survival benefit but are relatively lacking in long-term adverse effect data. With increasing survivability, measures to improve quality of life must be considered for GU cancer and a large proponent of this is sexual function.

RECENT FINDINGS

mTOR inhibitors have shown an effect on testosterone levels and may have a link to abnormal semen parameters. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown no adverse sexual outcomes in the literature. There are laboratory links to tyrosine kinases having a beneficial effect on erectile and sexual function. Possible sexual side effects must be discussed with patients receiving a diagnosis of cancer. Further research is required to determine the exact mechanisms and outcomes of sexual function with new and emerging targeted therapy.

The Semantics of Priapism and the First Sign of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Priapism is defined as an erection that persists beyond four hours, lasting beyond or unrelated to sexual stimulation (Salonia et al., 2014). Because the risk of ischemic damage and impotence is high with priapism (35%), management guidelines are directed towards rapid treatment of this condition (Salonia et al., 2014). This report describes the rare case of an 18-year-old male who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) three times with recurrent and worsening episodes of sustained penile erections. On the patient's third visit, he presented with priapism of greater than six-hour duration that was found to be the result of chronic myeloid leukemia. Clinician awareness of the diagnostic semantics and differential diagnosis surrounding priapism is pivotal in its urgent management.

Leukostasis in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group

BACKGROUND

The details of leukostasis in children and adolescents with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are unknown. This study determined the characteristics of leukostasis in children and adolescents with CML.

PROCEDURE

A total of 256 cases from a retrospective study of patients with CML conducted by the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group from 1996 to 2011 were analyzed, and of these, 238 cases were evaluated in this study.

RESULTS

Leukostasis was diagnosed in 23 patients (9.7%). The median leukocyte count and spleen size below the left costal margin in cases with leukostasis were significantly higher and larger when compared to those in cases without leukostasis (458.5 × 10(9) /l vs. 151.8 × 10(9) /l (P < 0.01), and 13 vs. 5 cm (P < 0.01), respectively). Leukostasis occurred with ocular symptoms in 14 cases, priapism in four cases, and dyspnea, syncope, headache, knee pain, difficulty hearing, and aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in one case each. One case had two leukostasis symptoms simultaneously. Three cases were diagnosed before imatinib became available. Five cases received special treatment, and in the remaining 15 cases, all of these symptoms resolved after treatment with imatinib.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study represents the largest series of children and adolescents in which leukostasis of CML has been reported. Our data provide useful insight into the characteristics of leukostasis in recent cases of children and adolescents with CML.

Priapism - A Rare Presentation in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Case Report

Priapism is a complication rarely seen in leukemia. We report a 19-year-old man presented with persistent painful erection of penis for over 24 hours at home. The patient had underwent immediate irrigation and decompression of priapism by urologist at emergency services of the hospital. This approach resulted in a flaccid penis later. During hospitalization, peripheral blood smear and bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia.

Priapism, an emerging complication in β-thalassemia intermedia patients

The increase in survival rate of β-thalassemia (β-thal) patients allowed for the appearance and manifestation of several complications in almost every organ system. Priapism in β-thal patients is rarely reported in the literature. We herein report and investigate the occurrence of two cases of priapism in two young patients with β-thal intermedia (β-TI). The potential mechanisms are due to either a cellular mechanism involving a thrombus obstructing the efferent venules of the corpora cavernosa leading to priapism, or a recently elucidated functional mechanism that causes alteration of nitric oxide (NO) response of the penis, ultimately causing priapism. This should incite clinicians for a close follow-up and monitoring of high risk patients who are susceptible to developing priapism.

Priapism as a result of chronic myeloid leukemia: case report, pathology, and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Priapism is rare-presenting feature in male patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Several hypotheses for pathogenesis have been described. Management has been controversial; some authors described resolution following priapism-specific interventions, and others recommended addition of CML-specific therapy or even CML-specific therapy alone.

AIM

In this report, we describe presentation and management of a man with refractory priapism that was the first presenting manifestation of CML. We also report, for the first time, the pathology sections of the sinusoidal tissue in such cases. Literature is reviewed for similar cases and their outcome.

METHODS

A 21-year-old male patient presented with painful priapism that started 6 days earlier and failed aspiration-irrigation. CBC revealed marked leucocytosis. Oncology care diagnosed CML, and treatment with Imatinib was commenced with prior semen cryopreservation. Following remission, a penile prosthesis was implanted, assisted by optical corporotomy. Sinusoidal tissue biopsy was stained by hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) and CD34.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pathology sections of cavernous tissue following CML-induced priapism.

RESULTS

The penile implant survived without complications. H&E examination of the sinusoidal tissue biopsy revealed leukemic infiltration associated with vascular endothelial damage. CD34 staining showed the mixed picture of leukemic infiltrates, intact vascular endothelium with lumena showing leukemic cells, alternating with destroyed vessels, and no vascular lumena and ruminants of endothelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Priapism can be the first manifestation of previously undetected CML. The pathological picture of sinusoidal tissue in such cases is presented. In the case at hand, a complete blood picture was helpful in early diagnosis of CML and early initiation of targeted chemotherapy along with the corporal irrigation/aspiration or shunt surgery. It is therefore recommended to have a CBC examined at presentation of any case of ischemic priapism of unknown etiology, early initiation of CML therapy along with aspiration/irrigation, preferably cryopreserving a semen sample before CML therapy.

Hyperleukocytosis and leukocytapheresis in acute leukaemias: experience from a single centre and review of the literature of leukocytapheresis in acute myeloid leukaemia

BACKGROUND

Hyperleukocytosis is usually defined as leukocyte count >100 × 10(9)  L(-1) and can be seen in newly diagnosed leukaemias. Hyperleukocytic leukaemia is associated with a risk of organ failure and early death secondary to leukostasis. Mechanical removal of leukocytes by the apheresis technique, leukocytapheresis, is a therapeutic option in these patients.

METHODS

During a 16-year period, 16 patients were treated with leukocytapheresis (35 apheresis procedures) for hyperleukocytosis/leukostasis. We present our experience, and in addition we review previous studies of hyperleukocytosis/leukocytapheresis in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

RESULTS

We used a highly standardised approach for leukocytapheresis in leukaemia patients with hyperleukocytosis. The average leukocytapheresis number for each patient was 2·2 (range 1-6). Median leukocyte count before apheresis was 309 × 10(9)  L(-1) (range 104-935); the mean leukocyte count reduction was 71%, corresponding to a mean absolute reduction of 219 × 10(9)  L(-1). No serious side effects were seen during or immediately after apheresis.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that our standardised technique for leukocytapheresis effectively reduced the peripheral blood leukaemia cell counts. Previous studies in AML also support the conclusion that this is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of a potentially life-threatening complication, but apheresis should always be combined with early chemotherapy.