Pharmacologically-induced Recreational Priapism: Case Report and Review

• Main Authors: Grace Kunas, Janet A. Smereck, Diana Ladkany, Jonathan E. Davis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: eScholarship Publishing, University of California 2020-11-01
• Series: Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
• Online Access: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7jv7d0cp

Introduction: Priapism, a time-sensitive urologic emergency, is associated with hematologic disorders, malignancies, trauma, pharmaceuticals, and recreational drugs. Case Report: A 51-year-old male presented with 36 hours of priapism after recreational use of nonprescribed pharmaceuticals including an oral phosphodiesterase inhibitor and intracorporally injected erectile medications, together with unspecified quantities of cocaine and alcohol. Venous blood gas confirmed ischemic priapism. Detumescence was achieved with intracavernosal phenylephrine injection, aspiration, and irrigation. Conclusion: This case highlights the risk that recreational use of vasoactive medications by patients who seek to prolong sexual activity may lead to delayed presentation for ischemic priapism.