Priapism Flashcards
What is the definition of priapism?
A persistent erection that continues hours beyond or is unrelated to sexual activity, lasting at least 4 hours.
What are the general considerations for the management of priapism?
Detumescence, preservation of erectile function, prevention of further episodes.
What are the three types of priapism?
Ischemic (low flow veno-occlusive)
stuttering (intermittent priapism)
Non-ischemic (high flow arterial)
What is the physiology of Ischemic priapism?
Decreased venous outflow –> increased intracavernosal pressure –> decreased arterial inflow –> stasis, hypoxia, acidosis –> painful rigid erection
What are the findings on physical exam for priapism?
Corpora cavernosa are fully erect and rigid. The glans and spongiosum are soft. Blood aspirated from the corpora is dark red.
What are the causes of priapism?
- Sickle Cell
- Malignant infiltration (leukemia)
- Total parenteral nutrition (20% lipid infusion)
- Medications
- Hyperosmolar IV contrast
- Recent spinal cord injury
- Spinal or general anesthesia
Why is ischemic priapism and emergency?
It causes progressive cavernosal fibrosis and erectile dysfunction
What is the time course and prognosis for priapism?
36 hours - nearly 100% chance of ED
> 48 hours - intervention may relieve pain but not ED
What is stuttering priapism?
recurrent ischemic priapism that occurs over a prolonged period of time
How should stuttering priapism be managed?
Each episode should be managed individually
What is the most common cause of stuttering priapism?
Sickle cell disease.
What are the options for prevention of stuttering priapism?
- LHRH agonists/GnRH agonists, antiandrogens
- Intracavernosal phenylephrine
- Oral pseudoephedrine, 5mg terbutaline, Routine sildenafil or tadalafil
What is the physiology of high flow arterial priapism?
High inflow and high outflow results in prolonged, non-rigid, partial erection without local hypoxia or acidosis.
What are the physical exam findings in non-ischemic high flow priapism?
Corpora are partially erect, non-tender. Glans and spongiosum are soft. Blood aspirated is bright red.
What is the usual cause of high flow priapism?
Fistula from cavernous artery into the corpora. Usually caused by perineal or penile trauma.
How can high flow non-ischemic priapism be diagnosed?
Arteriogram is the gold standard. However, Doppler ultrasound is often the first line to look for a fistula.
How urgent is high flow priapism?
High flow priapism is not an emergency. It can be treated expectantly.
What is the prognosis of expectantly managed high flow priapism?
62% will resolve without intervention.
60% will recover normal erections.
Potency can be restored even after months of high flow priapism.
How do you manage non-ischemic priapism if it does not resolve spontaneously, or if the patient wishes treatment?
Arterial embolization with autologous clot or absorbable gelatin. Second line is surgical fistula ligation.