[Priapism: diagnosis and treatment]

Priapism, prolonged and painful erection, is an exceptional cause of consultation in the pediatric population. High- and low-flow priapism and recurrent prolonged erection must be differentiated, as the prognosis and treatment of these entities differ. Assessment of patients with priapism begins with a detailed history, physical examination, and complete blood cell count. The definitive diagnosis is given by penile Doppler ultrasonography, corpora cavernosa blood gas analysis, and pelvic arteriography. We present two patients who attended our emergency service in the last year and propose an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of this entity.

[Tuberculous prostatic abscess in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To review the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of prostatic abscess in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

METHODS/RESULTS

Herein we report on a patient with AIDS and prostatic abscess due to tuberculosis. The clinical features and a less invasive therapeutic approach are described.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate treatment must be based on cultures, as patients with AIDS are increasingly frequently affected by uncommon organisms originating prostatic abscess. Treatment is by drainage, although spontaneous urethral drainage has been described, as in the present case. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage appears to be a less invasive and effective procedure.