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High-flow priapism in acute lymphatic leukaemia

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Abstract

Priapism is defined as prolonged and persistent erection of the penis without sexual stimulation. It is associated with excessive hyperleukocytosis (e.g. in acute or chronic leukaemia); however, this complication is rarely seen in the pediatric population. We report a 12-year-old boy suffering from acute leukaemia presenting with, at first intermittent, but increasingly persistent erection. Doppler US revealed signs of high-flow priapism. MRI excluded intrapelvic tumour masses, and three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography could not demonstrate an arteriovenous fistula or thrombosis. Cavernosal blood-gas measurement was in agreement with high-flow priapism. On the basis of the imaging findings, invasive therapeutic management was avoided in our patient with a successful outcome.

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Correspondence to Hans-Joachim Mentzel.

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Mentzel, HJ., Kentouche, K., Doerfel, C. et al. High-flow priapism in acute lymphatic leukaemia. Pediatr Radiol 34, 560–563 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-1124-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-1124-1

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