A rare case of priapism secondary to intervertebral disc prolapse: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) is characterized by narrowing of the central spinal canal or lateral recesses and foramina, leading to compression of nerve tissues. It causes neurogenic claudication, which manifests as back pain and variety of lower limb symptoms such as pain, tingling/numbness, or paresthesia on ambulation. A rare symptom of LCS is priapism, which is thought to occur due to parasympathetic dysfunction. We describe a case of a 45-year-old man, who presented with neurogenic claudication and intermittent priapism due to lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse, which resolved completely after surgical decompression, and literature review for the same.

Keywords

• intervertebral disc prolapse
• priapism
• spinal canal stenosis