priapism
Pronunciation: PRY-uh-pizm
Persistent, painful erection lasting more than four hours, unrelated to sexual arousal, constituting a urologic emergency.
Full Definition
A prolonged, painful penile erection lasting more than four hours that is unrelated to sexual stimulation and does not subside after ejaculation. Priapism is classified as either ischemic (low-flow, veno-occlusive) or non-ischemic (high-flow, arterial). Ischemic priapism is a true urologic emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent permanent erectile dysfunction and penile necrosis. Causes include medications, blood dyscrasias, malignancy, and recreational drugs. Treatment varies by type but may include corporal aspiration, irrigation, sympathomimetic injection, or surgical shunting procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Specify type (ischemic vs. non-ischemic) and duration; emphasize emergency nature for ischemic type.
In Context
- "The patient presented with ischemic priapism requiring emergent corporal aspiration and phenylephrine injection." — Emergency department note
- "Non-ischemic priapism secondary to perineal trauma was managed conservatively with observation." — Clinical assessment