Abstract
As described in Chapter 9, priapism is an uncommon medical condition defined as persistent tumescence or erection not associated with sexual desire or stimulation (Pautler and Brock 2001). Different pathophysiologies have been described. Low-flow or ischemic priapism is characterized by complete painful erection secondary to inadequate venous outflow leading to hypoxia, acidosis and pain (Lue et al. 1986; Pautler and Brock 2001). High-flow priapism is usually associated with penile or perineal blunt trauma and cavernosal artery tear (Pautler and Brock 2001). Patients with high-flow priapism usually develop a painless partial erection and are able to increase rigidity with sexual stimulation. Venous outflow can be relatively compromised (Bertolotto et al. 2003), but usually is maintained, preventing complete erection, stasis and tissue hypoxia.
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Bertolotto, M., Mucelli, F.P., Liguori, G., Sanabor, D. (2008). Imaging Priapism: The Diagnostic Role of Color Doppler US. In: Bertolotto, M. (eds) Color Doppler US of the Penis. Medical Radiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-36677-5_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-36677-5_10
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