Priapism and Sickle Cell Disease: Special Considerations in Etiology, Management, and Prevention

Geeta Ahuja; Chukwuka Ibecheozor; Nnaemeka C Okorie; Anish J Jain; Pamela W Coleman; Adam R Metwalli; Jeremy B Tonkin

doi:10.1016/j.urology.2021.06.010

Priapism and Sickle Cell Disease: Special Considerations in Etiology, Management, and Prevention

Urology. 2021 Oct:156:e40-e47. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.06.010. Epub 2021 Jun 26.

Authors

Geeta Ahuja¹, Chukwuka Ibecheozor², Nnaemeka C Okorie³, Anish J Jain³, Pamela W Coleman⁴, Adam R Metwalli⁴, Jeremy B Tonkin⁴

Affiliations

¹ Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC. Electronic address: geetaamerica@gmail.com.
² Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC.
³ Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC.
⁴ Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC.

PMID: 34181970
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.06.010

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited medical condition where sickled red blood cells cause vaso-occlusive crisis. One major complication of SCD is priapism, defined as an erection of the penis lasting over four hours beyond sexual stimulation or orgasm. SCD priapism is caused by sickled erythrocytes obstructing venous outflow and can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. This article reviews the pathology, physiology, and management of SCD priapism, including potential novel therapeutic agents.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications*
Humans
Male
Priapism / diagnosis
Priapism / etiology*
Priapism / prevention & control
Priapism / therapy