Priapism

Heparin-induced priapism

“…Lowflow priapism is caused by an obstruction of the penile venous system. 1,8 Hypoxia develops 2 -3 h later as a result of the stasis of intracavernosal blood. Additionally, reduced oxygen saturation causes damage to the vascular endothel and cavernosal smooth muscles and resulting in considerable pain.…”

“…3 -7 In general, the rare arterial, non-ischemic highflow priapism is differentiated from the more frequent, anoxic, ischemic low-flow priapism. 1,8 Their pathophysiology and therapy differ greatly: High-flow priapism is caused by an increased influx of blood into the corpora cavernosa, possibly due to a traumatic, arterio-venous fistula or the injection of vasoactive substances. 1,8 It mostly develops following sexual stimulation or nocturnal erections.…”

“…1,8 Their pathophysiology and therapy differ greatly: High-flow priapism is caused by an increased influx of blood into the corpora cavernosa, possibly due to a traumatic, arterio-venous fistula or the injection of vasoactive substances. 1,8 It mostly develops following sexual stimulation or nocturnal erections. Lowflow priapism is caused by an obstruction of the penile venous system.…”

“…The reasons may be different: in about half of the cases, hematologicalvascular disorders, neurogenic -psychiatric deviations, neoplasms, metabolic malfunctions, chronic inflammations, trauma and pharmaceuticals are considered to induce priapism. 1,2 Since the introduction of corpora cavernosa autoinjection therapy (CCAT) for patients with erectile failure, the causes of priapism have been mainly pharmaco-induced. 1 Heparin induced priapism seems to occur very rarely.…”

“…1,2 Since the introduction of corpora cavernosa autoinjection therapy (CCAT) for patients with erectile failure, the causes of priapism have been mainly pharmaco-induced. 1 Heparin induced priapism seems to occur very rarely. Less than 20 cases have been described during the last 30 y.…”