Intrazerebrale Massenblutung nach intrakavernöser Metaraminol-Behandlung einer prolongierten Erektion

Priapism: etiology, pathophysiology and management

The understanding of erectile physiology has improved the prompt diagnosis and treatment of priapism. Priapism is defined as prolonged and persistent erection of the penis without sexual stimulation and failure to subside despite orgasm. Numerous etiologies of this condition are considered. Among others a disturbed detumescence mechanism, which may due to excess release of contractile neurotransmitters, obstruction of draining venules, malfunction of the intrinsic detumescence mechanism or prolonged relaxation of intracavernosal smooth muscle are postulated. Treatment of priapism varies from a conservative medical to a drastic surgical approach. Two main types of priapism; veno-occlusive low flow (ischemic) and arterial high flow (non-ischemic), must be distinguished to choose the correct treatment option for each type. Patient history, physical examination, penile hemodynamics and corporeal metabolic blood quality provides distinction between a static or dynamic pathology. Priapism can be treated effectively with intracavernous vasoconstrictive agents or surgical shunting. Alternative options, such as intracavernous injection of methylene blue (MB) or selective penile arterial embolization (SPEA), for the management of high and low flow priapism are described and a survey on current treatment modalities is given.

New aspects in the treatment of priapism

Recent advances in the understanding of erectile physiology have improved the prompt diagnosis and treatment of priapism. During initial assessment, the physician must distinguish between veno-occlusive low flow (ischemic) and arterial high flow (nonischemic) in order to choose the correct treatment option for each type of priapism. Patient history, physical examination, penile haemodynamics and corporeal metabolic blood quality assist the distinction between static and dynamic priapism. Normally, priapism is effectively treated with intracavernous vasoconstrictive agents or surgical shunting. However, when these two methods fail, subsequent treatment procedures are a matter for debate. Alternative options, such as intracavernous injection of methylene blue or selective penile arterial embolization, for the management of high and low flow priapism are described and a survey of current treatment modalities is presented.