Priapism

Priapism is a condition in which a penis remains erect for hours in the absence of stimulation or after stimulation has ended.[3] There are three types: ischemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), and recurrent ischemic (intermittent).[3] Most cases are ischemic.[3] Ischemic priapism is generally painful while nonischemic priapism is not.[3] In ischemic priapism, most of the penis is hard; however, the glans penis is not.[3] In nonischemic priapism, the entire penis is only somewhat hard.[3] Very rarely, clitoral priapism occurs in women.[4]

Priapism
Fresco in Pompeii depicting Priapus
Pronunciation
SpecialtyUrology, emergency medicine
SymptomsPenis remains erect for hours[3]
ComplicationsPermanent scarring of the penis[3]
TypesIschemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), recurrent ischemic (intermittent)[3]
CausesSickle cell disease, antipsychotics, SSRIs, blood thinners, cocaine, cannabis, trauma[3]
TreatmentIschemic: Removal of blood from the corpus cavernosum with a needle[3]
Non-ischemic: Cold packs and compression[3]
Frequency1 in 60,000 males per year[3]

Sickle cell disease is the most common cause of ischemic priapism.[3] Other causes include medications such as antipsychotics, SSRIs, blood thinners and prostaglandin E1, as well as drugs such as cocaine and cannabis.[5][3] Ischemic priapism occurs when blood does not adequately drain from the penis.[3] Nonischemic priapism is typically due to a connection forming between an artery and the corpus cavernosum or disruption of the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in increased arterial flow.[3] Nonischemic priapism may occur following trauma to the penis or a spinal cord injury.[3] Diagnosis may be supported by blood gas analysis of blood aspirated from the penis or an ultrasound.[3]

Treatment depends on the type.[3] Ischemic priapism is typically treated with a nerve block of the penis followed by aspiration of blood from the corpora cavernosa.[3] If this is not sufficient, the corpus cavernosum may be irrigated with cold, normal saline or injected with phenylephrine.[3] Nonischemic priapism is often treated with cold packs and compression.[3] Surgery may be done if usual measures are not effective.[3] In ischemic priapism, the risk of permanent scarring of the penis begins to increase after four hours and definitely occurs after 48 hours.[3][6] Priapism occurs in about 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 100,000 males per year.[3]

Classification

Priapism is classified into three groups: ischemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), and recurrent ischemic.[3] The majority of cases (19 out of 20) are ischemic in nature.[3]

Some sources give a duration of four hours as a definition of priapism, but others give six. "The duration of a normal erection before it is classifiable as priapism is still controversial. Ongoing penile erections for more than 6 hours can be classified as priapism."[7]

Priapism in females (continued, painful erection of the clitoris) is significantly rarer than priapism in men and is known as clitoral priapism or clitorism.[4] It is associated with persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).[8] Only a few case reports of women experiencing clitoral priapism exist.[4]

Signs and symptoms

Complications

Because ischemic priapism causes the blood to remain in the penis for unusually long periods of time, the blood becomes deprived of oxygen, which can cause damage to the penile tissue. Such damage can result in erectile dysfunction or disfigurement of the penis.[9] In extreme cases, if the penis develops severe vascular disease, the priapism can result in penile gangrene.[10]

Causes

Low flow priapism

Causes of low flow priapism include sickle cell anemia (most common in children), leukemia, and other blood dyscrasias such as thalassemia and multiple myeloma, and the use of various drugs, as well as cancers.[11]

Other conditions such as Fabry's disease, as well as neurologic disorders such as spinal cord lesions and spinal cord trauma (priapism has been reported in people who have been hanged; see death erection).

Priapism can also be caused by reactions to medications. The most common medications that cause priapism are intra-cavernous injections for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (papaverine, alprostadil). Other medication groups reported are antihypertensives, antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine), antidepressants (most notably trazodone), anti-convulsant and mood stabilizer drugs such as sodium valproate.[12] Anticoagulants, cantharides (Spanish Fly) and recreational drugs (alcohol, heroin and cocaine) have been associated. Priapism is also known to occur from bites of the Brazilian wandering spider[13]

High flow priapism

Causes of high flow priapism include blunt trauma to the perineum or penis, with laceration of the cavernous artery, which can generate an arterial-lacunar fistula.[11]

Mechanism

The mechanisms are poorly understood but involve complex neurological and vascular factors.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is often based on the history of the condition as well as a physical exam.[3]

Blood gas testing the blood from the cavernosa of the penis can help in the diagnosis.[3] If the low flow type of priapism is present, the blood typically has a low pH, while if the high flow type is present, the pH is typically normal.[3] Color doppler ultrasound may also help differentiate the two.[3] Testing a person to make sure they do not have a hemoglobinopathy may also be reasonable.[3]

Ultrasonography
Color Doppler ultrasound demonstrating a hypoechoic collection that corresponds to hematoma with arteriovenous fistula secondary to traumatic injury of the penis due to impact with bicycle handlebars, resulting in high-flow priapism.[11]

Penile ultrasonography with doppler is the imaging method of choice, because it is noninvasive, widely available, and highly sensitive. By means of this method, it is possible to diagnose priapism and differentiate between its low- and high-flow forms.[11]

In low-flow (ischemic) priapism the flow in the cavernous arteries is reduced or absent. As the condition progresses, there is an increase in echogenicity of the corpora cavernosa, attributed to tissue edema. Eventually, changes in the echotexture of the corpora cavernosa can be observed due to the fibrotic transformation generated by tissue anoxia.[11]

In high-flow priapism normal or increased, turbulent blood flow in the cavernous arteries is seen. The area surrounding the fistula presents a hypoechoic, irregular lesion in the cavernous tissue.[11]

Treatment

Medical evaluation is recommended for erections that last for longer than four hours. Pain can often be reduced with a dorsal penile nerve block or penile ring block.[3] For those with nonischemic priapism, cold packs and pressure to the area may be sufficient.[3]

Aspiration

For those with ischemic priapism, the initial treatment is typically aspiration of blood from the corpus cavernosum.[3] This is done on either side.[3] If this is not sufficiently effective, then cold normal saline may be injected and removed.[3]

Medications

If aspiration is not sufficient, a small dose of phenylephrine may be injected into the corpus cavernosum.[3] Side effects of phenylephrine may include: high blood pressure, slow heart rate, and arrhythmia.[3] If this medication is used, it is recommended that people be monitored for at least an hour after.[3] For those with recurrent ischemic priapism, diethylstilbestrol (DES) or terbutaline may be tried.[3]

Surgery

Distal shunts, such as the Winter's, involve puncturing the glans (the distal part of the penis) into one of the cavernosa, where the old, stagnant blood is held. This causes the blood to leave the penis and return to the circulation. This procedure can be performed by a urologist at the bedside. Winter's shunts are often the first invasive technique used, especially in hematologically induced priapism, as it is relatively simple and repeatable.[14]

Proximal shunts, such as the Quackel's, are more involved and entail operative dissection in the perineum where the corpora meet the spongiosum while making an incision in both and suturing both openings together.[15] Shunts created between the corpora cavernosa and great saphenous vein called a Grayhack shunt can be done though this technique is rarely used.

As the complication rates with prolonged priapism are high, early penile prosthesis implantation may be considered.[3] As well as allowing early resumption of sexual activity, early implantation can avoid the formation of dense fibrosis and, hence, a shortened penis.

Sickle cell anemia

In sickle-cell anemia, treatment is initially with intravenous fluids, pain medication, and oxygen therapy.[16][3] The typical treatment of priapism may be carried out as well.[3] Blood transfusions are not usually recommended as part of the initial treatment, but if other treatments are not effective, exchange transfusion may be done.[16][3]

History

Persistent semi-erections and intermittent states of prolonged erections have historically been sometimes called semi-priapism.[17]

Terminology

The name comes from the Greek god Priapus (Ancient Greek: Πρίαπος), a fertility god, often represented with a disproportionately large, permanent erection.

gollark: I can operate my phone and keyboard and trackpad with either hand, but only write fairly slowly and inaccurately left-handed.
gollark: For writing and stuff, yes, but apparently not generally working input devices.
gollark: Simply put the mouse elsewhere and use your other hand.
gollark: The obvious solution is dangerous experimental gene therapy.
gollark: And they say you have low blood sugar and/or low blood pressure for no particular reason? I see.

References
  1. OED 2nd edition, 1989 as /ˈpraɪəpɪz(ə)m/.
  2. "Definition of PRIAPISM". www.merriam-webster.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  3. Podolej, GS; Babcock, C (January 2017). "Emergency Department Management Of Priapism". Emergency Medicine Practice. 19 (1): 1–16. PMID 28027457.
  4. Justin J. Lehmiller (2014). The Psychology of Human Sexuality. John Wiley & Sons. p. 545. ISBN 978-1119164708. Retrieved February 8, 2018.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  5. "Alprostadil". The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  6. Salam, Muhammad A. (2003). Principles & Practice of Urology: A Comprehensive Text. Universal-Publishers. p. 342. ISBN 9781581124118. Archived from the original on 2017-04-27.
  7. C. VAN DER HORST, HENRIK STUEBINGER, CHRISTOPH SEIF, DIETHILD MELCHIOR, F.J. MARTÍNEZ-PORTILLO, K.P. JUENEMANN; "Priapism: Etiology, Pathophysiology and Management" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2013-04-29. Retrieved 2011-12-07.
  8. Helen Carcio, MS, MEd, ANP-BC, R. Mimi Secor, MS, MEd, FNP-BC, NCMP, FAANP (2014). Advanced Health Assessment of Women, Third Edition: Clinical Skills and Procedures. Springer Publishing Company. p. 85. ISBN 978-0826123091. Retrieved February 8, 2018.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  9. "Priapism - Symptoms and Causes". Mayo Clinic. Archived from the original on 2014-08-06. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
  10. Ajape, A. A.; Bello, A. (2011). "Penile Gangrene: An Unusual Complication of Priapism in a Patient with Bladder Carcinoma". J Surg Tech Case Rep. 3 (1): 37–9. doi:10.4103/2006-8808.78470. PMC 3192523. PMID 22022653.
  11. Originally copied from:
    Fernandes, Maitê Aline Vieira; Souza, Luis Ronan Marquez Ferreira de; Cartafina, Luciano Pousa (2018). "Ultrasound evaluation of the penis". Radiologia Brasileira. 51 (4): 257–261. doi:10.1590/0100-3984.2016.0152. ISSN 1678-7099. PMC 6124582. PMID 30202130.
    CC-BY license
  12. Bansal S, Gupta SK (November 2013). "Sodium Valproate induced priapism in an adult with bipolar affective disorder". Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 45 (6): 629–30. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.121383. PMC 3847259. PMID 24347777.
  13. "Spider Venom for Erectile Dysfunction?". webmd.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  14. Macaluso JN, Sullivan JW (1985). "Priapism: A review of 34 cases". Urology. 26 (3): 233–236. doi:10.1016/0090-4295(85)90116-5. PMID 4035837.
  15. Montague DK, Jarow J, Broderick GA, Dmochowski RR, Heaton JP, Lue TF, Nehra A, Sharlip ID (October 2003). "American Urological Association guideline on the management of priapism". J. Urol. 170 (4 Pt 1): 1318–24. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000087608.07371.ca. PMID 14501756.
  16. Evidence Based Management of Sickle Cell Disease (PDF). NHLBI. 2014. pp. 39–40. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-25. Retrieved 2017-03-07.
  17. Newman Herbert F., Northup Jane D. (1981). "Mechanism of human penile erection: an overview". Urology. 17 (5): 399–408. doi:10.1016/0090-4295(81)90177-1. PMID 7015666.
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