Advances in the understanding of priapism

Nitric Oxide Resistance in Priapism Associated with Sickle Cell Disease: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Challenges, and Future Directions

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) display priapism, a prolonged penile erection in the absence of sexual arousal. The current pharmacological treatments for SCD-associated priapism are limited and focused on acute interventions rather than prevention. Thus, there is an urgent need for new drug targets and preventive pharmacological therapies for this condition. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms linked to the dysfunction of the NO-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) pathway implicated in SCD-associated priapism. In murine models of SCD, reduced nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP bioavailability in the corpus cavernosum is associated with elevated plasma hemoglobin levels, increased reactive oxygen species levels that inactive NO, and testosterone deficiency that leads to endothelial nitric oxide synthase downregulation. We discuss the consequences of the reduced cGMP-dependent PDE5 activity in response to these molecular changes, highlighting it as the primary pathophysiological mechanism leading to excessive corpus cavernosum relaxation, culminating in priapism. We also further discuss the impact of intravascular hemolysis on therapeutic approaches, present current pharmacological strategies targeting the NO-cGMP-PDE5 pathway in the penis, and identify potential pharmacological targets for future priapism therapies. In men with SCD and priapism, PDE5 inhibitor therapy and testosterone replacement have shown promising results. Recent preclinical research reported the beneficial effect of treatment with haptoglobin and NO donors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review discusses the molecular changes that reduce NO-cGMP bioavailability in the penis in SCD and highlights pharmacological targets and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of priapism, including PDE5 inhibitors, hormonal modulators, NO donors, hydroxyurea, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, haptoglobin, hemopexin, and antioxidants.

Treatment of Refractory Idiopathic Ischemic Priapism: A Case Report and Literature Review

Priapism is a medical condition characterized by a prolonged period of penile rigidity in the absence of external sexual stimulation. Three broad categories exist for this condition: ischemic (low venous flow), nonischemic (high arterial flow), and recurrent (stuttering). Ischemic priapism is a urological emergency necessitating immediate medical attention. This literature aims to highlight the importance of prompt workup and treatment of ischemic priapism in order to prevent irreversible damage to the penis, such as erectile dysfunction and impotence. This case report presents a 35-year-old patient who developed refractory ischemic priapism in the absence of an underlying causative agent. Fortunately, through pharmacological and surgical interventions, the patient was successfully treated with complete resolution of his symptoms.

Corpora cavernosa fibroblasts mediate penile erection

Penile erection is mediated by the corpora cavernosa, a trabecular-like vascular bed that enlarges upon vasodilation, but its regulation is not completely understood. Here, we show that perivascular fibroblasts in the corpora cavernosa support vasodilation by reducing norepinephrine availability. The effect on penile blood flow depends on the number of fibroblasts, which is regulated by erectile activity. Erection dynamically alters the positional arrangement of fibroblasts, temporarily down-regulating Notch signaling. Inhibition of Notch increases fibroblast numbers and consequently raises penile blood flow. Continuous Notch activation lowers fibroblast numbers and reduces penile blood perfusion. Recurrent erections stimulate fibroblast proliferation and limit vasoconstriction, whereas aging reduces the number of fibroblasts and lowers penile blood flow. Our findings reveal adaptive, erectile activity-dependent modulation of penile blood flow by fibroblasts.

The role of angiotensin receptor blocker (losartan) on decreasing fibrotic process of corpora cavernosa in priapism model of wistar rats

Background

Priapism induces regulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression and collagen-type-1 deposition. This will replace the normal corpora cavernosa with fibrotic tissue which eventually resulted in erectile dysfunction. It is also known that the fibrosis process of corpora cavernosa is related to Renin-Angiotensin II System (RAS). Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), especially losartan, inhibit the inflammation process and fibrotic tissue formation. This study evaluated the effect of losartan in reducing fibrosis in priapism by evaluating TGF-β1 and collagen-type-1 in cavernous tissue and determined the effect of losartan in preventing fibrosis in priapism model of Wistar rats assessed by the metavir score.

Methods

A total of eighteen male Wistar rats mean were divided into five groups. For the priapism models, we applied negative pressure on the penis to make an artificial erection to mimic the priapism process. The control groups were observed and the treatment groups were orally given losartan 15 mg/kg/day. Corpora cavernosa was harvested for TGF-β1 and collagen-type-1 measurement using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The fibrotic tissue of each rat was then collected and assessed histopathologically with the metavir scoring system.

Results

Penile TGF-β1 concentration in the losartan-treated group was not significantly different on day 10 and day 28 of observation (p10=0,30; p28=0,17). Meanwhile, collagen-type-1 concentration was significantly lower compared to control group (p10=0,002; p28=0,01). There was a significant difference in metavir scores in rats that received losartan and those who did not (p<0,05).

Conclusion

Losartan could suppress the fibrosis process in the priapism model. It could decrease the collagen type 1 deposition during corpora cavernosa tissue regeneration. Based on the metavir score, the group receiving losartan therapy was better than the control group.

Successful Management of Recurrent High-Flow Priapism Treated with Selective Arterial Embolization: A Case Report

Introduction

High-flow priapism is rare, uncontrolled arterial inflow, preceded by penile or perineal trauma and arterial-lacunar fistula. There are several ways to treat high-flow priapism, i.e., conservative management, the use of ice packs, mechanical decompression, surgery, and super-selective arterial embolization. Embolization is currently widely accepted in patients who fail from conservative management. This study aimed to report the use of Gelfoam and microcoil embolization in recurrent high-flow priapism compared to PVA embolization.

Case Study

A 36-year-old man complained of prolonged erection. The erection occurred three days before admission while waking up in the morning, not accompanied by either sexual stimulation or pain. There was a history of fall four days ago in the afternoon, with the patient's groin hitting a rocky ground. Physical examination revealed an erect penis, which felt warm, with an EHS of 4. Blood gas analysis of the corpus cavernosum showed bright red blood with a pH of 7.47, pCO2 of 23.6, pO2 of 145, HCO3 of 17.3, BE of -6, and SaO2 of 99%. Doppler ultrasound examination of the penis showed high-flow priapism. Embolization with PVA was performed, and there were decreased complaints. A few hours later, the erection occurred. Reevaluation was then performed and continued with embolization using Gelfoam and microcoil. There were immediate successful results (EHS of 3) accompanied by a decrease in symptoms. Long-term follow-up has shown a return to normal erectile function six months following the injury.

Conclusion

Priapism may happen due to various etiologies. Differentiating high-flow and low-flow is paramount during the acute phase because of different treatment strategies. Conservative management may be applied to high-flow priapism. If conservative management fails, embolization may be attempted. The choice of embolization agent must be taken into account.

An Experimental Rat Model Study: Is There Any Effect of Syringic Acid on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Priapism?

Purpose The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of syringic acid on ischemia-reperfusion injury in cavernosal tissue, utilizing a rat model of induced priapism. Materials and methods A total of 24 rats were allocated into three groups. Group 1 was designated as the control group, while Group 2 underwent ischemia-reperfusion injury assessment using the priapism model. Group 3 underwent the same procedures as Group 2, with the addition of intraperitoneal administration of syringic acid (100 mg/kg) 60 min after priapism initiation. All rats underwent penectomy, and sufficient blood samples were collected. Histopathological assessment of penile cavernosal tissue involved grading tissue damage, inflammation, vasocongestion, desquamation, and edema on a scale of 0-3 (0: normal, 1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe). Result Significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels in Group 2 were found to be significantly higher than Group 3 (p=0.003 and p=0.004). There was also a significant difference among the three groups in terms of median MDA levels (p<0.001). Furthermore, the median MDA level in Group 2 was found to be significantly higher than that in Group 3 (p<0.001). While significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of median SOD and GSH-px levels, no significant difference was found among the groups in terms of median PC levels (p=0.004, p= 0.048, and p=0.159, respectively). In direct microscopic examination, a significant improvement in pathological scores was noted in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p<0.001). Conclusion Syringic acid demonstrated protective properties against ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by priapism in cavernosal tissue.

Epidemiology and treatment of priapism in sickle cell disease

Ischemic priapism is a common but underrecognized morbidity affecting about 33% of adult men with sickle cell disease (SCD). The onset of priapism occurs in the prepubertal period and tends to be recurrent with increasing age. Significantly, priapism is associated with an unrecognized high burden of mental duress and sexual dysfunctions. The diagnosis of priapism is clinical. Many episodes of priapism will resolve spontaneously, but when an episode lasts longer than 4 hours, the episode is considered a urologic emergency requiring quick intervention with either corporal aspiration or shunt surgery. Only 3 randomized clinical trials (stilbesterol, ephedrine or etilefrine, and sildenafil) have been conducted for secondary priapism prevention in SCD. All 3 trials were limited with small sample sizes, selection biases, and inconclusive results after completion. The current molecular understanding of the pathobiology of priapism suggests a relative nitric oxide (NO) deficiency secondary to chronic hemolysis in SCD and associated phosphodiesterase type 5 dysregulation. We posit an increase in NO levels will restore the normal homeostatic relationship between voluntary erection and detumescence. Currently, 2 randomized phase 2 trials (1 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and 1 open-label, single-arm intervention) are being conducted for secondary priapism prevention in men at high risk for recurrent priapism (NCT03938454 and NCT05142254). We review the epidemiology and pathobiology of priapism, along with mechanistic therapeutic approaches for secondary prevention of priapism in SCD.

An update on the management algorithms of priapism during the last decade

Priapism is a persistent penile erection lasting longer than 4 hours, that needs emergency management. This disorder can induce irreversible erectile dysfunction. There are three subtypes of priapism: ischemic, non-ischemic, and stuttering priapism. If the patient has ischemic priapism (IP) of less than 24-hours (h) duration, the initial management should be a corporal blood aspiration followed by instillation of phenylephrine into the corpus cavernosum. If sympathomimetic fails or the patient has IP from 24 to 48h, surgical shunts should be performed. It is recommended that distal shunts should be attempted first. If distal shunt failed, proximal, venous shunt, or T-shunt with tunneling could be performed. If the patient had IP for 48 to 72h, proximal and venous shunt or T-shunt with tunneling is indicated, if those therapies failed, a penile prosthesis should be inserted. Non-ischemic priapism (NIP) is not a medical emergency and many patients will recover spontaneously. If the NIP does not resolve spontaneously within six months or the patient requests therapy, selective arterial embolization is indicated. The goal of the management of a patient with stuttering priapism (SP) is the prevention of future episodes. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor therapy is considered an effective tool to prevent stuttering episodes but it is not validated yet. The management of priapism should follow the guidelines as the future erectile function is dependent on its quick resolution. This review briefly discusses the types, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of priapism. It will discuss an updated approach to treat each type of priapism.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and priapism: An unexplored association

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has an established impact on multiple organ systems, including the vascular and urogenital systems. Vascular effects may include venous thromboembolic disease, which could theoretically be a precursor to priapism-a urological emergency defined as an abnormal condition of prolonged penile erection lasting >4 hours. To better explore this association, we critically appraised all the published COVID-19 cases associated with priapism.

Materials and methods

After PROSPERO registration (CRD42021245257), a systematic search of Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Global Index Medicus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed using specific search terms. The following study metadata were extracted: age, requirement for respiratory support, cavernous blood gas findings, management of priapism, and patient outcomes.

Results

Fifteen single-patient case reports were included in this review. Of these, all of the patients presented with ischemic priapism, 9 patients (60.0%) were >60 years of age, 4 (26.7%) reported more than a single episode of priapism, 11 (73.3%) presented with pneumonia, 8 (53.3%) required mechanical ventilation, D-dimer was elevated in 5 of the 6 (83.3%) patients in whom this was reported, and among the 13 patients in whom mortality was reported, 4 (30.8%) died.

Conclusions

Early reports suggest a prognostic relationship between COVID-19 and coexisting priapism. However, owing to commonalities in their pathophysiology and the small dataset reported in the literature, the probable association between COVID-19 and priapism is still theoretical. Further research is needed to confirm this association.

Hydroxyzine-induced priapism

Priapism is a severe urologic condition requiring emergency management. Ischemic priapism is the most common subtype which is characterized by a long-lasting, painful, and rigid erection which can be caused by medications with alpha-adrenergic properties such as hydroxyzine. Typically, medication-induced priapism is reported at therapeutic doses and few case reports exist implicating medication overdose as the cause. We report a case of a patient taking hypercompliant doses of hydroxyzine hydrochloride for worsening insomnia (200-600 mg), including the night before admission. Blood-gas analysis of blood from the right corpora was completed and revealed a pH of 6.736, pCO₂ of 147, HCO₃ of 18.6 and a base excess of 17.7. The patient required aspiration and 560 μg of intracavernosal phenylephrine to achieve sustained detumescence. Emergency physicians should be aware of this risk as priapism is a medical emergency and this is the first report with hydroxyzine after an intentional overdose to our knowledge.

Risk Factors for Surgical Shunting in a Large Cohort With Ischemic Priapism

BACKGROUND

Ischemic priapism is treated with a stepwise algorithm, but some patients may benefit from immediate shunt placement.

AIM

To identify risk factors for surgical shunt placement in a large series of patients with ischemic priapism.

METHODS

We identified all patients presenting to our institution with ischemic priapism from January 2010 to December 2018. Multivariable was performed to assess risk factors for surgical shunting. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (Youden Index) was used to assess which cutoff time for the duration of priapism was most predictive requiring shunting.

OUTCOMES

We assess risk factors for surgical shunting and what duration of priapism was most predictive of requiring a shunt.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 169 ischemic priapism encounters from 143 unique patients, of which 26 (15%) encounters resulted in a surgical shunt. Patients treated with a shunt had longer priapism durations than those without (median 36 vs 10 hours, P < .001). Independent predictors of a surgical shunt on multivariate logistic regression were the duration of priapism in hours (odds ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.10; P < .001) and history of prior priapism (odds ratio: 3.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-9.60; P = .045). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using priapism duration to predict the need for shunt generated an area under curve of 0.83. A duration of 24 hours correlated to a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.90.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

These results can be used to counsel future patients and assist in the decision-making process for providers.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This is one of the largest series of priapism in the literature. Most (74%) of the priapism were due to intracavernosal injections so the results may not be generalizable to populations with different priapism etiologies.

CONCLUSION

In this study of 169 priapism encounters, we found that the priapism duration and history of prior priapism were independent predictors of surgical shunt placement. These results can aid urologists in the counseling and decision-making process of these challenging cases. Zhao H, Dallas K, Masterson J, et al. Risk Factors for Surgical Shunting in a Large Cohort With Ischemic Priapism. J Sex Med 2020;17:2472-2477.

Clinical Outcomes of Periprocedural Antithrombotic Therapy in Ischemic Priapism Management

BACKGROUND

Priapism is a urologic emergency consisting of a painful erection lasting greater than 4 hours; antithrombotic therapy (ATT) have recently been recommended as an adjunct in the treatment of ischemic priapism.

AIM

To determine the short- and long-term outcomes of periprocedural ATT in the management of acute ischemic priapism.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients seen at the University of California, San Francisco, from 2008 to 2019 was carried out to identify those evaluated for acute priapism. Information regarding duration of priapism, etiology, treatment, periprocedural and postprocedural ATT type and dose, and follow-up data was collected.

OUTCOMES

ATT use was the exposure of interest; outcome variables included priapism resolution, repeat episodes, long-term complications, and follow-up.

RESULTS

70 patients with at least 1 detailed record of an acute priapism episode between 2008 and 2019 were identified. Of the 70 patients who underwent management for an acute episode of priapism, 59 (84%) received intracavernous injection of phenylephrine with or without corporal aspiration. Of the 4 patients who received ATT at the same time as intracavernous injection, none had additional priapism episodes. In the 55 patients who did not receive immediate ATT, 22 (40%) required at least 1 shunting procedure. The 9 patients who received ATT concurrently with shunting experienced less recurrence than the 13 patients who did not receive ATT (11% vs 69%, respectively P = .012). There were no significant differences in long-term erectile dysfunction (P = .627), fibrosis (P = .118), genitourinary pain (P = .474), and urinary issues (P = .158) between those who received ATT and those who did not.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Our findings suggest that ATT has a role in preventing priapism recurrence; we observed that long-term repeat priapism episodes are less frequent in those who received periprocedural ATT compared with those who did not and that ATT may especially reduce recurrence in cases when shunting was required STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study looking at the clinical outcomes of periprocedural ATT in the management of ischemic priapism. It is limited by the fact that it is a single-center study, types of ATT were heterogenous, and the exact timing of priapism management could not be measured for everyone.

CONCLUSION

In spite of its limitations, these preliminary findings are promising and warrant further exploration of the use of ATT in the management of ischemic priapism. Ramstein JJ, Lee A, Cohen AJ, et al. Clinical Outcomes of Periprocedural Antithrombotic Therapy in Ischemic Priapism Management. J Sex Med 2020;17:2260-2266.

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.

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.

A case of proximal partial priapism successfully treated with autologous clot embolisation

Partial priapism is a rare disorder in literature and generally described as a contusion or thrombosis of the cavernous body of the penis secondary to blunt trauma. Because of the rarity of disease, there is not much information about the treatment. Conservative management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is often applied treatment. Here, we presented a proximal partial priapism treated successfully with autologous clot embolisation secondary to pelvic trauma.

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.

Combination High Flow Priapism With Low Flow Priapism: Case Report

Introduction

Priapism is defined as a persistent penile erection lasting longer than 4 hours and unrelated to sexual activity. It is one of the most common emergencies treated by urologists. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of various types of priapism have led to targeted management strategies according to type of priapism.

Aim

The aims of this article is report the case of a 24-year-old man who was presented in the emergency department with a combination of high flow priapism with low flow priapism.

Methods

This case report documents the case of a patient who presented in the emergency department with a high flow priapism that then became to a ischemic priapism.

Conclusion

Priapism is one of the most common emergencies treated by urologists. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of various types of priapism have led to targeted management strategies as was shown in our case.

Carvajal A, Benavides JA. Combination High Flow Priapism With Low Flow Priapism: Case Report. Sex Med 2019;7:111–113.

Unintended Consequences: A Review of Pharmacologically-Induced Priapism

BACKGROUND

Priapism has been linked to many commonly prescribed medications, as well as recreational drugs and toxins. Although the incidence of priapism as a result of medication is small, the increasing use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and recreational drugs may lead to more cases of pharmacologically-induced priapism in the future.

AIM

To provide a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the most common causes of pharmacologically induced priapism and discuss incidence, pathophysiology, and basic management strategies.

METHODS

A review of the available literature from 1960 to 2018 was performed using PubMed with regards to pharmacologically induced priapism.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

We reviewed publications that outlined incidence, pathophysiology, and management strategies for various pharmacologic causes of priapism: antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, methylphenidate, cocaine, heparin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, propofol, spider bites, and other miscellaneous causes.

RESULTS

An understanding of the pathophysiology behind common pharmacologic causes of priapism can assist in the development of better treatment strategies and prevent future episodes of priapism. By understanding the potential risks associated with the use of medications with α-blocking or sympathomimetic properties, physicians can reduce the likelihood of priapism in their patients, especially those with other medical conditions that put them at increased baseline risk. Early corporal aspiration and injection of phenylephrine reduces additional complications related to priapism. In select patients, early placement of a penile prosthesis may prevent further morbidity.

CONCLUSION

By developing a greater understanding of common pharmacologic causes of priapism, physicians can promptly identify and manage symptoms, leading to decreased patient morbidity. Scherzer ND, Reddy AG, Le TV, Chernobylsky D, Hellstrom WJG. Unintended Consequences: A Review of Pharmacologically-Induced Priapism. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:283-292.

Daily tadalafil for the chronic phase of stuttering priapism: a case report

Background

Recurrent (stuttering) ischemic priapism is a challenging clinical condition. Frequent recurrences result in frequent hospital admissions whereas treatment with a shunting procedure often results in erectile dysfunction.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old man with stuttering idiopathic priapism developed erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 score 12) following a Winter’s shunt; he was given tadalafil, 5 mg/daily, for 6 months. This treatment resulted in progressive restoration of erectile function in the 6 months following the shunt as well as in preventing recurrence of priapic episodes over a 24-month follow-up.

Conclusions

This is the first report in literature of chronic treatment of stuttering priapism with a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor being able not only to prevent recurrent priapic episodes but also to restore erectile function following a Winter’s shunt.