Insights of priapism mechanism and rationale treatment for recurrent priapism

Priapism is defined as abnormal prolonged penile erection occurring beyond or unrelated to sexual interest. The disorder is enigmatic yet devastating because of its elusive etiology, irreversible erectile tissue damage, and resultant erectile dysfunction （ED）. Current management strategies suffer from a poor understanding of the pathophysiology, especially at the molecular level. The traditional treatments are based more on empirical rather than evidence-based knowledge. The outcomes for restoration of normal erectile function are poor, especially for stuttering priapism. Therefore, it is critical to understand priapism from a molecular level, to formulate treatment strategies and to establish rational prevention strategies for high-risk populations, such as sickle cell disease （SCD） patients and cases of the stuttering variant. This review focuses on the recent advances at the molecular level in priapism and penile erection, and applies the recent knowledge to the treatment of stuttering priapism.     

A rare cause of recurrent priapism: hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema is a rare disease, which is caused by deficiency of compleman c1 esterase inhibitor regulatory protein in the compleman system. Priapism is involuntary, painful and prolonged erection of penis more than 4 h without sexual desire. In this case report, we elucidated a patient diagnosed with hereditary angioedema while he had recurrent priapism.     

A case report on idiopathic recurrent priapism

Idiopathic recurrent priapism is a difficult problem to treat and a potentially devastating condition that may result in irreversible penile fibrosis. We present the case of a patient who, during a period of 10 years, had recurrent episodes of idiopathic priapism and we show that therapeutic options do exist for the management.     

Value of urethral wash cytology in the retained male urethra after radical cystoprostatectomy

PURPOSE: We determined the outcome in patients who underwent urethrectomy after cystectomy followed by routine urethral wash cytology versus those not followed by urethral wash cytology who presented with bleeding or urethral discharge. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome in post-cystectomy urethrectomy cases at our institution from 1994 to 2000. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients with a median age of 70.5 years underwent urethrectomy after cystectomy, including 17 due to asymptomatic, positive urethral wash cytology (group 1) and 7 who were not followed by urethral wash and presented with bleeding/urethral discharge (group 2). Median time from cystectomy to urethrectomy was 11.4 months (range 6.7 to 67.1). Median followup after cystectomy and urethrectomy was 37 and 27.7 months, respectively. RESULTS: Urethrectomy pathological evaluation showed pTis disease in cases 12 (50%), pT0 in 9 (37.5%) and pT1 in 3 (12.5%). Cystectomy pathology was organ confined (pT0, pTis and pT1-pT2b disease) in 12 cases (50%), nonorgan confined (pT3a-pT4) in 6 (25%) and pT any N1 in 5 (21%). Cystectomy pathology was unknown in 1 case. At the most recent followup there was no evidence of disease in 14 patients (58%), 5 (21%) were alive with disease, 3 (12.5%) were dead of disease, 1 (4%) was dead of other causes and disease status was unknown in 1 (4%). There was no statistical difference in survival in groups 1 and 2 when controlling for original bladder tumor stage. Cox regression analysis revealed that cystectomy pathology was the only statistically significant parameter of disease-free survival (p = 0.011), while urethrectomy pathology and followup method (urethral washing versus no washing) were not significant. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications and no patients died. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant survival difference in patients followed and not followed with urethral washing. Longer followup and increased patient numbers are needed to determine the significance of these findings.     

Acenocoumarol associated priapism: report of a case

We report on a 20-year-old man presenting with priapism while receiving oral acenocoumarol for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. To the authors' knowledge, it is the first reported case of acenocoumarol-associated priapism.     

Medical management of ischemic stuttering priapism: a contemporary review of the literature

Priapism is defined as a prolonged and persistent erection of the penis without sexual stimulation. This is a poorly understood disease process with little information on the pathophysiology of this erectile disorder. Complications from this disorder are devastating due to the irreversible erectile damage and resultant erectile dysfunction (ED). Stuttering priapism, though relatively rare, affects a high prevalence of men with sickle-cell disease (SCD) and presents a challenging problem with guidelines for treatment lacking or resulting in permanent ED. The mechanisms involved in the development of priapism in this cohort are poorly characterized; therefore, medical management of priapism represents a therapeutic challenge to urologists. Additional research is warranted, so we can effectively target treatments for these patients with prevention as the goal. This review gives an introduction to stuttering priapism and its clinical significance, specifically with regards to the patient with SCD. Additionally, the proposed mechanisms behind its pathophysiology and a summary of the current and future targets for medical management are discussed.     

The 10-year priapism experience: identifying clearer targets for intervention

BackgroundThere is a paucity of data on the clinical experience of priapism. Moreover, little work has explored differences in practice patterns between urologists and emergency medicine (EM) physicians. Our primary objective was to understand the priapism patient population and identify targets that may guide clinical translational efforts.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on two priapism datasets from June 2008–July 2018—one focused on patients managed by urology and another on patients managed exclusively by EM physicians. Primary areas of interest included the duration of priapism and acute interventions during the consultation. Time to presentation, prior interventions and evaluation was also documented.ResultsOver the course of 10 years, there were 396 encounters for priapism in 95 unique patients. Urology was consulted 199 times in 83 unique patients and EM physicians managed 197 encounters in 15 unique patients. In the urology cohort, median duration of priapism was 6 hours, and 72% of patients required further intervention. For the EM cohort, median duration of priapism was 4 hours and 89% of patients required further intervention. Amongst all patients, nine patients presented 4 or more times for a total of 294 encounters.ConclusionsUrology and EM managed a similar number of encounters, but EM patients had a shorter duration of priapism. Understanding the role of the EM physician and the urologist can help tailor joint curriculum efforts for initial priapism management while focusing on more complex management for urology trainees. A small proportion of patients accounted for the majority of visits secondary to recurrent ischemic priapism indicating a need to target prevention of these episodes on an outpatient basis.     

Heparin and prednisone-associated priapism: two case reports

Priapism is a prolonged penile erection that is not associated with sexual stimulation. In this report, two patients who developed priapism 2-4 h after an oral prednisone and intravenous heparin infusion are described. Low-flow (ischaemic) priapism is usually associated with sickle cell disease, haemoglobinopathies, neoplastic syndrome, anticoagulant therapy (heparin and warfarin), psychotropic medication, sildenafil citrate (Viagra) or idiopathic causes. Here we report two cases of prolonged low-flow priapism induced by heparin and prednisone. Treatments were successfully conducted after the priapism, while the exact mechanism remains unclear.     

A new cause of ischaemic priapism: Synthetic cannabinoids

Priapism is a urological emergency that needs early intervention and may lead to irreversible cavernosal damage. Ischaemic priapism is the most common type, which is frequently idiopathic and commonly associated with haematological diseases, medications or recreational drugs. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have been increasingly used all over the world, particularly among young‐adult population. SCs can cause severe adverse effects on several organ systems. However, there are no studies in the literature which have stated the possible relationship between using of SCs and priapism. We present a case of 28‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with a 58‐hr lasting priapism after regular administrations of SCs. The priapism did not resolve neither after applying aspiration with irrigation nor shunt surgery. Finally, penile prosthesis implantation was performed as last treatment option. The SCs have been increasingly used among young population in recent years; therefore, new SC‐related ischaemic priapism cases might be encountered in the emergency departments.     

9例阴茎异常勃起诊治体会

目的 探讨阴茎异常勃起的诊断和治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析9例阴茎异常勃起患者的诊治过程.结果 9例患者均通过病史、体检、海绵体抽吸血气分析及多普勒超声检查确诊.经镇静、局部冷敷、海绵体抽吸血液、海绵体内注射药物及手术等不同方法治疗后,8例缺血性阴茎异常勃起患者中5例完全消退,3例部分消退;1例非缺血性阴茎异常勃起患者部分消退.5例随访6个月,其中4例出现ED.结论 阴茎海绵体血气分析、海绵体彩色多普勒检查对阴茎异常勃起有重要诊断价值,早期及正确应用海绵体注射药物和阴茎海绵体尿道海绵体分流术加术中冲洗是治疗缺血性阴茎异常勃起的可靠方法,但是由于大多数病人持续勃起时间较长,ED的发生率偏高.     

Management strategy for arterial priapism: therapeutic dilemmas

PURPOSE: We present 7 cases of arterial high flow priapism and propose management algorithms for the condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 2 children and 5 adults with posttraumatic arterial priapism. Blood gas analysis and color Doppler ultrasonography of the corpora cavernosa confirmed the diagnosis in 4 adults, while 1 patient had already undergone cavernous artery ligation in elsewhere. In the children perineal compression resulted in detumescence, a sign that is proposed to be indicative of the diagnosis of arterial priapism (piesis sign) complementing physical examination. Mechanical compressive force was applied to the perineum of 1 boy, while the other received a watchful waiting program. All adults participated in an observation regimen except 1, who decided to undergo immediate embolization of the internal pudendal artery. RESULTS: Perineal compression led to the resolution of priapism in 1 child, while spontaneous resolution was noted in the other. An adult noticed spontaneous penile detumescence 3 to 4 months after trauma, which was attributable to site specific venous leakage and decreased, inflow in the contralateral cavernous artery. The patient underwent venous surgery and is on an intracavernous injection regimen. Successful embolization of the internal pudendal artery was performed immediately in 1 man and in the other 4 months after trauma due to social inconvenience. Adult patient 3 is still on the watchful waiting protocol (42 months), while the one who underwent cavernous artery ligation is receiving treatment for erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Absent of long-term damaging effects of arterial priapism on erectile tissue combined with the possibility of spontaneous resolution or progressive concomitant hemodynamic abnormalities associated with blunt perineal trauma are suggestive of the introduction of an observation period in the management algorithm of high flow priapism. Such a period may help avoid unnecessary intervention and determine the impact of priapism on patient personal life. Perineal compression may be also added as part of the physical examination as a sign specifically indicative of arterial priapism.     

Post-traumatic high flow priapism: A case report

A case of post-traumatic high flow priapism in a 32-year-old man is reported. The diagnosis was based on cavernous blood gas analysis and left internal pudendal arteriography. He was treated by unilateral super-selective embolization of the fistula with coils and gelatin sponge. At 1 month after embolization, erectile function had recovered, as demonstrated by measurement of nocturnal penile tumescence.     

阴茎异常勃起的诊断和治疗(附12例报告)

目的提高阴茎异常勃起的诊治水平。方法统计临床所见12例阴茎异常勃起患者，年龄20-62岁，平均44岁。持续勃起时间13-162h，平均25．4h。其中血管活性药物所致5例，膀胱癌转移至阴茎异常勃起1例，白血病1例，有外伤史者3例，不明诱因者2例。对异常勃起分型，治疗及预后进行分析。结果12例患者中9例为低流量型，3例为高流量型。随访2—26个月，9例低流量型患者中，5例经阴茎海绵体根部注射间羟胺2—6mg，必要时在阴茎头及阴茎海绵体根部置9号针头灌注肝素化生理盐水对冲治愈，其中2例发生勃起功能障碍（ED）；2例行阴茎海绵体与阴茎头血管分流术治愈，其中一例术后出现ED；因白血病引起的阴茎异常勃起1例，膀胱癌转移至阴茎1例，预后均不佳。3例高流量型患者中1例行选择性阴部内动脉栓塞后治愈，无ED；2例行保守治疗出院，均有ED发生。结论详细的病史、海绵体血气分析和彩色双功能超声等检查有助于阴茎异常勃起准确及时的诊断。阴茎异常勃起如保守治疗无效，应立刻进行手术治疗。关键词阴茎异常勃起，诊断，治疗     

Management of post-traumatic arterial priapism in children: Presentation of a case and review of the literature

In this article, a 9-year-old boy with arterial priapism is presented. The patient was managed with the conservative measures including imipramine hydrochloride and a favorable outcome was achieved after 2 months of follow-up. The pathophysiology, diagnostic tools and treatment alternatives are discussed.     

高流量性阴茎异常勃起的诊治(附3例报告)

目的 探讨高流量性阴茎异常勃起的诊断和治疗方法。方法 复习3例高流量性阴茎异常勃起，2例会阴部外伤所致，1例原因不明。行体检、血气分析、阴茎彩色超声、阴部内动脉血管造影等检查，并分别行阿拉明注射、穿刺放血、阴茎头．阴茎海绵体分流、明胶海绵动脉瘘栓塞等治疗。结果 2例明确诊断为高流量性阴茎异常勃起，右侧动脉瘘栓塞后勃起完全消失，随访短期内勃起功能恢复。1例诊断模糊，行分流手术后勃起不完全消退，随访2年内发生勃起功能障碍。结论 选择性阴部内动脉造影和栓塞治疗是高流量性阴茎异常勃起有效的诊治方法。     

New aspects in the treatment of priapism

Recent advances in the understanding of erectile physiology have improved the prompt diagnosis and treatment of priapism. During initial assessment, the physician must distinguish between veno-occlusive low flow (ischemic) and arterial high flow (nonischemic) in order to choose the correct treatment option for each type of priapism. Patient history, physical examination, penile haemodynamics and corporeal metabolic blood quality assist the distinction between static and dynamic priapism. Normally, priapism is effectively treated with intracavernous vasoconstrictive agents or surgical shunting. However, when these two methods fail, subsequent treatment procedures are a matter for debate. Alternative options, such as intracavernous injection of methylene blue or selective penile arterial embolization, for the management of high and low flow priapism are described and a survey of current treatment modalities is presented.     

Post-traumatic high flow priapism: Demonstrable findings of penile enhanced computed tomography

Post-traumatic high flow priapism is a rare disease. A review of English published reports revealed 63 cases. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the penis has not previously been used as a diagnostic method for post-traumatic high flow priapism. We present a case of post-traumatic high flow priapism diagnosed with enhanced CT of the penis. Additionally, diagnostic modalities for post-traumatic high flow priapism are discussed with review of published work.