Priapism

Definition: prolonged and persistent penile erection lasting >4 hours, un-associated with sexual interest or stimulation

People laugh about it, but it's compartment syndrome of the penis.
Etiology Low flow ischaemic (98% of presentations):
- medications: hydralazine, CCBs, neuroleptics
- cocaine, marijuana
- Sickle cell disease, leukaemia

High flow non-ischaemic (2%): fistula between cavernosal artery
- trauma

Stuttering = recurrent presentations of ischaemic priapism
Pathogenesis
Clinical presentation Ischaemic: painful
Diagnostic investigations Cavernosal blood gas - acidotic in ischaemic priapism
Management - Penile block
- Aspiration 10-20ml cavernosal blood - between prox and middle 1/3, 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock with green butterfly needle
- Intercavernosal phenylephrine