High-flow priapism in pediatric population: Case series and review of the literature

Abstract

IntroductionPriapism is a prolonged erection that lasts longer than four hours. It is a rare pathology in the pediatric population, with an estimation of 0.3–1.5 per 100,000 children per year. The diagnostic sequence includes clinical history, physical examination and penile Doppler ultrasound (PDUS). Puncture of corpora cavernosa is not always necessary to establish the differential diagnosis between high-flow and low-flow priapism. The treatment of choice in pediatric age is not well defined. Patients and methodsMulticentric, retrospective and descriptive study including patients under 14 years with high-flow priapism between 2010 and 2020. Literature review. ResultsA total of seven patients were diagnosed with high-flow priapism. None of them required puncture of the corpora cavernosa. Patients were treated with a conservative management, two patients required superselective arterial embolization due to persistent symptoms. ConclusionsHigh-flow priapism is a very rare entity in pediatric age; therefore, knowing the proper diagnosis and management is crucial. Currently, penile doppler ultrasound is enough for diagnosis in most cases and allows obviating the use of blood gas analysis. Children should be initially treated with a conservative management, reserving embolization for refractory cases.