INTRODUCTION

Priapism is a full or partial erection that continues more than four hours beyond sexual stimulation and orgasm or is unrelated to sexual stimulation. Ischemic priapism is characterized by little or no cavernous blood flow. In contrast, non-ischemic priapism is caused by unregulated cavernous arterial inflow.[1] Non-ischemic priapism is a rare condition in children.[2] We report a case of non-ischemic priapism in a child with no apparent cause.

CASE REPORT

A 7-year-old boy was referred to our center with abnormal penile erection persisting for two days. He complained of mild pain without voiding symptoms. He had no history of trauma. Physical examination showed that the proximal two-third of the penis was tumescent with slight tenderness. Blood tests revealed no evidence of sickle cell anemia or other hematological diseases. Color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) showed increased inflow from the cavernous artery toward the corpus cavernosum on the right side. He was diagnosed as a case of non-ischemic priapism of unknown etiology. Spontaneous detumescence was noted after four weeks. At follow-up evaluation 16 months after diagnosis, he had not developed a recurrence. Follow-up CDUS revealed only a small arterio-cavernous fistula at the base of the right corpus cavernosum (Fig.1).

[Figure ID: F1] Figure 1:Doppler study showing small arterio-cavernous fistula.

DISCUSSION

Non-ischemic priapism usually occurs due to perineal trauma such as a straddle injury. Few cases of pediatric non-ischemic priapism associated with sickle cell disease, leukemia, and Fabry's disease are also reported.[2] There are three reported pediatric cases of non-ischemic priapism of unknown etiology.[3-5]. In our patient there was no history of trauma.

A corporal blood gas analysis by aspiration is usually recommended in the emergency evaluation of priapism because it differentiates ischemic from non-ischemic priapism. However, a corporal aspiration is invasive especially for children. Several authors have reported that a corporal aspiration is not universally recommended and is thought to be unnecessary if the diagnosis is clear.[6-8] We did not perform the corporal blood gas analysis on our patient because the diagnosis was clear according to the clinical course, physical and CDUS findings.

The initial management of non-ischemic priapism is observation because spontaneous resolution may occur.[1] In previous reports of seven children with non-ischemic priapism due to trauma, spontaneous resolution occurred in 5 days to 9 months (median 2 weeks) after the onset.[2] In the two children with non-ischemic priapism of unknown etiology, the priapism resolved spontaneously in 25 days after the diagnosis. Another patient underwent embolization of the arterio-cavernous fistula after three weeks of watchful waiting.[4,5] However, there is no clear indication of the acceptable safe duration of watchful waiting in pediatric or adult patients.

We should consider the possibility of idiopathic non-ischemic priapism when managing children with no history of trauma. It is important to rule out underlying diseases as well. The initial management of pediatric non-ischemic priapism is observation because spontaneous resolution may occur.

Footnotes

Authors' Contribution: All authors contributed equally in concept, literature review, and drafting of the manuscript and approved the final version of this manuscript.

Consent for Publication: Authors have submitted signed consent form from legal guardians of the patient for use of clinical material in this manuscript. The Consent form is available with Editorial office.

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared