priapism
Pronunciation: PRY-uh-pizm
Prolonged, painful penile erection unrelated to sexual stimulation, a urological emergency commonly seen in boys with sickle cell disease.
Full Definition
Priapism is a prolonged penile erection lasting more than four hours that is unrelated to sexual arousal and is often painful. In pediatric hematology, priapism is most commonly associated with sickle cell disease, where sickling of red blood cells causes vascular occlusion in the corpora cavernosa. This condition can occur in boys as young as five years old and represents a urological emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent permanent erectile dysfunction. Treatment may include hydration, pain management, alpha-agonists, or surgical intervention. Recurrent episodes are common in sickle cell patients and may require prophylactic measures.
Usage
Usage note: Sensitive topic requiring age-appropriate language in pediatric contexts.
In Context
- "The 12-year-old boy with sickle cell disease presented to the emergency department with priapism lasting six hours." — Emergency department record
- "Recurrent priapism in this adolescent patient may require prophylactic hydroxyurea therapy." — Urology consultation note